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Transcript

A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Autism,
Autoimmune, and Other Neurological Disorders
(Formerly, “To Infuse or Not to Infuse” and “A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Autism”)
Willis S. Langford
Copyright November 1999-2011
Mastering Autism.doc [May 28, 2011]
A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Autism
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject
Page
Introduction………………...……………………………………………………1
Immune 101 ................…………………………………………………………52
Leaky Gut ...........................................................................................................84
Digestion 101…………………. ……………………………………………….87
Serotonin Connection .......................................................................................114
Healing the Leaky Gut......................................................................................134
GABA ...............................................................................................................139
Candida .............................................................................................................146
A Second Scenario............................................................................................152
Copperheads .....................................................................................................160
pH .....................................................................................................................164
Dr. Cheney’s Oxygen Treatment .....................................................................164
Transfer Factor..................................................................................................170
Negative Effects of Secretin .............................................................................171
Hydrochloric Acid May be a Solution..............................................................174
Biochemical Observations ................................................................................177
Solutions to the Problems .................................................................................185
Histamine: Solution or Problem? .....................................................................196
Enzymes: The Fountain of Life ........................................................................198
Improved Nutrition Relieves Bowel and Infection...........................................199
Care and Feeding of the Bowel ........................................................................202
Some additional aids to overcome diarrhea:.....................................................206
Cod-liver Oil and Vitamin A ............................................................................208
Bethanechol ......................................................................................................212
What? Rickets? .................................................................................................218
Managing Fatty Acids ......................................................................................219
Medium Chain Triglycerides…………..……………………………………..229
Three Metabolic Types. ....................................................................................237
Tums™ Anyone?..............................................................................................237
Detoxification 101 ............................................................................................241
Phenol-sulphotransferase (PST) .......................................................................252
Vitamin A, GAGs, Measles, and PST ..............................................................256
What Is MHPG? Why Should We Measure It?................................................272
Sulfation Ratio as a Measure of PST Activity..................................................274
Mercury Poisoned.............................................................................................279
Get the Lead Out...............................................................................................291
Acetaldehyde and NAD....................................................................................298
Pyrroluria ..........................................................................................................300
The Thyroid: Metabolic Regulator ...................................................................304
Forskolin: Poor Man’s Secretin? ......................................................................316
Demyelination...................................................................................................318
Fibroblast Growth Factor..................................................................................328
Summary and Miscellaneous............................................................................329
2
A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Autism
Willis S. Langford
Warning: Do not scan and read this paper piecemeal. It must be studied to avoid mis-steps.
Use FIND, COPY, and PASTE to extract papagraphs of interest into a new, shorter document for better correlation.
Autism can be mastered! There are several very basic things discussed in this paper that can be done at
home with little or no expensive testing. Foremost is the home testing for thyroid function discussed
toward the end of this paper, and support of thyroid function. The “unloading of the donkey” is vital to
possibly 80% of these troubled children for they are poisoned, drowning in their own toxic wastes.
Elimination of bowel disorders is very first on the list of vital action. It is often as simple as supplying a
digestive enzyme supplement, or removing milk. A few autistic children can be helped dramatically by
medical procedures such as an infusion of the intestinal hormone Secretin, but by and large, we are
dealing with a toxic condition requiring biochemical/dietary, not drug-based, intervention.
The need and the beneficial response to Secretin treatment, I think, are dependent upon the amount of damage to the
duodenum and small intestine, and on the stomach’s ability to produce adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) for proper
digestion. Additionally, the WGA lectin of wheat (gluten/gliadin) was shown to reduce Secretin production by
57%; however, administration of 500 mg of N-acetylglucosamine twice a day (preferably at beginning of the
meal) completely suppressed this effect! Since these factors largely determine proper digestion and assimilation, it
is vital that all systems be functioning optimally. Healing of the intestines, including rebalancing of flora, is vital to
health and well-being and mental function. Release of Secretin is dependent on adequate HCl in the chyme and
upon the binding (neutralization) of Lectins found in grains and legumes, in particular. Secretin is reduced in
hypothyroid rats (Robberecht et al, 1981); so, support the thyroid and bind (or remove) the lectins (more later).
Without adequate HCl, Secretin infusion can, at best, be only partially effective in restoring digestion and proper
physical and mental function. HCl production and thyroid function are also very dependent on adequate zinc levels,
usually lacking in these children. This lack of zinc may lead to skin conditions, loss of taste, neuropsychiatric
symptoms, sleep problems, and even the suppression of growth. An advanced zinc deficiency is indicated by white
specks or spots on fingernails. With support for the thyroid, neutralizing of lectins (N-acetylglucosamine neutralizes
the WGA of wheat, and also the potato lectin), adequate zinc and vitamin B6 intake, supplemental betaine
hydrochloride (HCl – where needed), DMAE, and/or Bethanechol, Secretin infusion may be totally unnecessary.
The path of autism is different for each child. Some are prone to seizures, some are not; some behave
aggressively, others are overly passive. However, children with autism and with ADHD share several
factors. “In one study, 66% of patients diagnosed with ADHD were found to be hypothyroid (at least as
many with autism are hypothyroid). Supporting their thyroid levels was largely curative. Visual and
auditory hallucinations may result from altered perception and have been misdiagnosed as schizophrenia
or psychosis (or autism). Other behavioral symptoms have included fear - ranging from mild anxiety to
frank paranoia, mood swings, and aggression. Thyroid hormone disorders may induce almost any
psychiatric symptom or syndrome, including rage”—Aronson and Dodman, 1997.
Moods and behavior are largely influenced by the ratio of five central nervous system chemicals known
as amines. These include: norepinephrine (noradrenaline), epinephrine (adrenaline), serotonin (5-HT),
dopamine, and phenylethylamine (PEA). The first three excite the CNS (central nervous system) while
the last two inhibit or modulate that excitement. The ratio of these amines controls our levels of
irritability. Kirov has observed an association between severity of anxiety or depression and low plasma
Magnesium (Mg). Pliszka and Rogeness measured serum Mg in 165 boys admitted to a psychiatric
3
hospital and found low Mg levels to be associated with dysphoric mood and sleep disorders. For a
detailed study ask for “Managing Vital Neurotransmitters”.
Additionally, there is a deep disturbance in their fatty acid metabolism that impairs their utilization of
amino acids, and often there is an imbalance in their electrolytes. These can be symptoms of
hypothyroidism! Hsu studied the effects of only one nutrient deficiency, zinc, on the levels of free
amino acids in urine, plasma, and skin. When there was a zinc deficiency, there was an inability for the
body to metabolize all of the available amino acids that were digested--thus they were excreted into the
urine as waste! Mercury in the system (from sources such as dental amalgam “silver” fillings, vaccines,
and Chlorox) excretes excessive amounts of zinc, creating a hard to restore deficiency. While I would
suggest avoiding picolinate in other mineral chelates, it may be the answer to this difficulty as it
enhances zinc uptake by a factor of three. However, an incidental and unexpected result of zinc
picolinate supplementation was an increase in plasma copper level from 155 µg./deciliter during ZnSO 4
treatment to 251 µg./deciliter after 10 weeks of treatment with the picolinate. This is probably
explainable on the basis that additional free intestinal picolinic acid was available to complex with the
copper and thereby enhance its absorption. It is vital not to imbalance the zinc:copper ratio. Zinc
controls both the thyroid function and the production of HCl for digestion.
Electrolytes control what’s called membrane traffic—what goes in and out of cells. The delicate balance
of electrolytes also controls the electrical activity within the brain and heart. Additionally, it doesn’t
make any difference what gets to that cell if it can’t get into the cell. We know that one of the major
ways that you can affect cellular circulation is by modulating the kinds of fatty acids that you eat. You
increase receptor sensitivity by increasing the fluidity of the cell membrane, which means increasing the
omega-3 content of the diet, because most people are very deficient. The cell membranes are going to be
a reflection of your dietary fat, and that will determine their fluidity. Thus, providing other nutritional
supplements is relatively ineffective until the electrolyte (sodium-potassium-magnesium-calcium) and
fatty-acid imbalances are corrected. You can actually make the membranes too fluid. If you eat and
incorporate too many omega-3 oils, then the membranes will become highly oxidizable (so you must eat
vitamin E and monounsaturates as well). Practitioners suggest the extent of the nutritional problem in
these observations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Zinc deficiency exists in 90% of autistic children predisposing to hypothyroidism, poor
digestion, and low immune function
Copper excess exists in 85%, suppressing the thyroid. Avoid zinc picolinate in this case as it
will increase copper levels.
Manganese deficiency exists in 20%. Finding these three together indicates a sick child with
physical and behavioral problems.
Calcium and magnesium deficiencies are common, with 75% of Americans lacking Mg
Omega 3 fatty acid imbalance exists in nearly 100%
Fiber deficiency exists in nearly 100%
Antioxidant deficiency exists in nearly 100% of Down’s and autistics. “Clear evidence of higher
oxidative stress and damage in treatment-naïve autistics than in controls” – Dr. Wm. Walsh,
Email 7/24/06. This oxidative stress, particularly from burn injuries, may release excessive
histamine. This increases the production of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which generates
hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, two potent free radicals that cause additional tissue damage.
The seriousness of this is seen in the report that this lowers nitric oxide in the blood, reducing
oxygen to the brain by 62%! This can only be offset by a very high intake of carefully selected
antioxidants as recommended herein.
4
8.
9.
“Massive deficiency of DHEA in the autistics (factor of three)” – ditto.
Shaw recently reported 17-19% have low cholesterol (GPL- Cholesterol, RMC 12/07/07.
A recent study (Arnold GL, Hyman SL, Mooney RA, Kirby RS. Journal of Autism and Developmental
Disorders. August 2003; 33(4): 449-454), found that 58% of children with autism who consumed a
regular diet, had at least one essential amino acid deficiency, and this group was most likely to be
deficient in valine, leucine, phenylalanine (that produces tyrosine, dopamine, and adrenal hormones), or
lysine. Sixty percent of children with autism on a restricted diet had at least one amino acid deficiency,
and this group was most likely to be deficient in valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, or lysine.
These were slightly more likely to be deficient in tryptophan, the amino acid that is a necessary element
in the production of serotonin and in prevention of subclinical Pellagra. Isoleucine, leucine, and tyrosine
(that produces dopamine and adrenal hormones) were reported as being the most frequently observed
deficiencies. Only 1 of 24 children in the control group had an essential amino acid deficiency. In
another study, researchers measured plasma, amino-acid levels of 36 ASD children and found that all
had multiple deficiencies. This should come as no surprise, but what is troubling is that 10 of the 36
children were on a gluten-free/casein-free (Gf/Cf) diet, and those ten were found to have the most severe
deficiencies. This is not surprising, as commercial interests, habit, and self-selection have made Gf/Cf
into a high-carbohydrate diet. In time, increasing allergies and self-selection narrow the diet still further.
Initial gains are sometimes lost, and the child is literally starving. A child cannot thrive on such a diet!
Either the SCD diet or Donna Gates’ Body Ecology diet is likely a better approach.
Protein plays a critical role in every aspect of health. Our skin, hair, and nails are protein. Our immune
system functions largely by releasing proteins called immunoglobulins; so, without enough protein, the
immune system comes to a halt, systemic inflammation develops, and the body lives (exists) by eating
its muscles, which are protein! Brain chemistry itself is dependent on protein and fatty acids, which are
used to make neurotransmitters. Without enough protein, the brain can’t make these neurotransmitters
and depression, hyperactivity, or behavioral disorders can result. The thousands of enzymes needed for
life processes are proteins. There are many physical signs of protein deficiency in children. A very
common one is the characteristic protruding abdomen that so many children with autism have. Other
signs include low muscle tone, reduced weight gain or growth, and weak or slow-growing nails. You
must not allow the diet to be largely carbohydrate. Every meal and major snack must have a balanced
amount of protein in ratio to carbohydrates! Seeds and nuts are good sources supplying about ¼ to 1/3
their content as good quality protein. Sunflower seed has 52% protein, and sesame seed provides good
quality protein; but nothing can replace animal sources. A vegetarian diet typically lacks protein, zinc,
and vitamin B12. A largely carbohydrate diet has too little protein. The liver depends heavily upon
adequate amounts of protein, or it can become cirrotic. When animals were protein starved for only two
weeks, their livers shrank 40%! A growing child must have at least 100 grams of protein daily. This may
be too little for the older, active child. A grown man of 175 pounds needs 125 grams (24% of a 2000
calorie dietary). The Government says you need only half that!
Eggs have from 6 to 12 grams of protein depending upon their size. A serving of about 4 oz of meat, poultry, or
fish contain about 16-20 grams of best quality protein, (beef is 15-25% fat, pork is 25-37% fat, chicken is 12%
fat, and turkey is 20% fat), a serving of potato provides only 2 grams of protein (and should be eaten only with
butter or cream). One cannot go by this table of content, however, for even though a healthy person can digest
meats and eggs at 97% efficiency, cereals and fruits supply only 85% of their protein; vegetables, 83%,
legumes, 78%, and nuts only 70%. Those who lack hydrochloric acid will not digest protein that well by any
means. More frightening, without adequate zinc, the amino acids that are digested are largely excreted in the
5
urine as waste and vitamin A cannot be released into the blood! A lack of zinc contributes to the chronic
diarrhea often seen in autistics. A supplement of zinc showed a 15% reduction of diarrhea.
Recent research has shown that the cascade of signals in the proinflammatory immune response tend to cause the
amino acid tryptophan to break down into damaging kynurenic acid rather than serotonin, a brain chemical that
influences mood. “That’s extremely interesting,” says Fallon, “because serotonin depletion seems to be involved
in depression. So, you can see a very clear mechanism whereby people with chronic immune activation can
become depressed.” Supplementing vitamin B6, niacin, and various anti-inflammatories may offset this, allowing
tryptophan to metabolize to serotonin. Ensure adequate zinc and protein intake.
The brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ of the body. Myelin is largely cholesterol. Pregnant women with low
cholesterol readings are twice as likely to have premature births, or to have babies with small heads (brains). Great
Plains Laboratory reports dangerously low cholesterol in 17.5% of autistics studied. NIH concluded earlier that
people with total serum cholesterol below 160 mg/dl had a death rate 10-20% higher than those with 160-190
mg/dl. Specifically, they died of cancer (lung and bladder cancer, primarily), respiratory and digestive disease,
suicide and trauma, and hemorrhagic stroke. They suffered depression, anxiety, bipolar and Parkinson’s disease,
and tuberculosis, and men with LDL levels below 160 mg/dl had significantly lower numbers of white blood cells
of all types. Thus, LDL protects against infections, and also against deadly toxins such as that produced by
staphylococcus. Shaw studying autism and Tierney studying the rare genetic conditon SLOS found that
particularly those with total serum cholesterol below 100 mg/dl additionally displayed autistic symptoms such as
sleep disturbances (lethargy and excess sleeping), inability to talk or walk, antisocial tendencies, increased rates of
infection, skin rashes, self-hurtful behavior, low-muscle tone, tactile defensiveness, poor growth rate, and various
behavioral problems. Low cholesterol values are associated with manganese deficiencies, celiac disease,
hyperthyroidism, liver disease, malabsorption, and malnutrition. These conditions all significantly improved, even
some adults spoke for the first time, all within days of taking a cholesterol supplement! The lack of adequate
cholesterol was found to be from a lack of production in the liver. So much for the drive to have everyone use a
statin drug to reduce production by 40%! Ensure that your child’s total serum cholesterol is above 160 mg/dl, and
that LDL is 150-160 mg/dl, that is, his total serum reading should be around 200! This is best done with foods
(eggs and red meat) where possible, but a supplement may be necessary (New Beginnings Nutritionals Sonic
Cholesterol). A child with IgE allergy to eggs should eat them only on advice of his doctor. These foods help to
ensure that both protein and cholesterol are adequate.
After feeding a mixture of amino acids to brain-damaged mice, the right balance of brain chemicals was restored
in the animals and their learning ability returned to normal! The amino acids given were leucine, isoleucine, and
valine, known as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). BCAAs make up nearly one-fifth of all muscle proteins
and enhance the biogenesis of mitochondria in the cells ensuring greater energy production. One study of elderly
diabetics showed that a BCAA-rich amino acid mixture improved numerous parameters of blood sugar
metabolism, including hemoglobin A1c. Animal studies show promise that oral BCAAs can improve the
devastating consequences of traumatic brain injury by improving cognitive performance. BCAAs have improved
the survival and the qualiy of life of those with liver cirrhosis (free from hepatic failure, rupture of esophageal or
gastric varices, or liver cancer.) These essential amino acids are vital for the creation of two, brain chemicals that
play a key role in the functioning of nerves. The two neurotransmitters, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), work together to keep brain activity in balance. Glutamate excites neurons, stimulating them to fire,
while GABA inhibits them. If neurons are too excited or not excited enough, the brain does not function properly
– Online journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In fact, too much GABA causes lethargy and
will cause a distinct learning disability as there is no retention of things studied!
Additionally, there is heavy-metals poisoning: Jill James, found that many autistic children are
genetically deficient in their capacity to produce glutathione, an antioxidant generated in the brain that
6
helps remove mercury from the body. A recent study found 85 percent exhibited severely elevated
Copper/Zinc (Cu/Zn) ratios in blood, suggesting a disorder of metallothionein (MT), a short, linear
protein responsible for homeostasis of copper and zinc and many other metals. “The severity of the
Cu/Zn imbalance was far greater than that of any other population we have studied over the past 25
years,” said William Walsh, Ph.D., Physician, biochemist, and chief scientist of the Pfeiffer Treatment
Center, Naperville, Illinois. His database suggests that copper overload and zinc depletion are the most
common metal-metabolism abnormalities in behavioral conditions such as, ADHD, autism, depression,
bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia. In another report, of 23 autistic children who had serum ferritin
measured, 12 were iron deficient. Iron deficiency is a frequent factor in restless leg syndrome. A study
of iron-deficient, non-anemic rats concluded, “The results of this study show that L-thyroxine
administration and/or iron supplementation increases Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione Peroxidase
(GSH-Px), and Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) levels of erythrocytes (red blood cells)”—Chung
Hua Yu Fang I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1996 Nov; 30(6):351-3. Note, however, the contradiction when using
serum iron measurements (serum iron tests are not as efficient is detecting iron deficiency): “I checked
iron levels in our population of 3,000 autism patients. We found that autistic children exhibited higher
serum iron levels than controls (non-autistic, healthy children). However, all of the differences occurred
in about 1/3 of the autism population with the other 2/3 resembling the controls. The high-iron kids were
extremely high, the rest of the autistics were quite normal. It appears that a segment of the autism
population has very abnormal iron metabolism (and abnormal ceruloplasmin)”—Bill Walsh. So, are
“our” kids high or low iron? Do not rely on serum iron.
So, serum iron is not the best measure of iron sufficiency. Blood tests for hemoglobin and serum ferritin
levels that are checked for transferrin saturation percentages are more useful, but the results of these
tests are confounded in states of prolonged inflammation or disease such as autism, for autism is a state
of chronic brain inflammation (Dr. Marcel Just, John Hopkins). Transferrin is a glycoprotein that binds
iron very tightly but reversibly. The affinity for Fe(III) is extremely high, but the affinity decreases
progressively with decreasing pH below neutrality. A skilled hematologist is often the best professional
from whom to obtain personal information concerning blood iron levels. Ferritin metabolism is
influenced by thyroid hormone as well as by iron. Thus, the raised serum ferritin in hyperthyroid
patients may be partially attributed to increased ferritin synthesis in the liver and its possible leakage
into circulation. When copper is deficient, the body can’t use iron, so it accumulates and causes damage,
increasing the risk of Type II diabetes by 3 times. There may be a copper-deficiency anemia. The
disease is called siderosis, which is characterized by a gray pallor to the skin from iron accumulation in
the tissues. “In addition, these sufferers (of excess serum iron) are unusually sensitive to lead, cadmium,
mercury, and other toxic metals so that they tend to accumulate rather than eliminate them. This is
probably because Phase I was overactive compared to Phase II in 86%. Phase I was functional, but
Phase II was impaired in 14%, thus 100% of children with autism had abnormal liver detoxification— S.
Edelson and D. Cantor, Toxicology and Industrial Health (2000) 16 1-9. Children are more susceptible
than adults. They have more exposure (crawling, playing in dirt, licking hands), and they excrete less
(adults retain only 1%, children retain 33%). Iron interferes with the absorption of the essential minerals
zinc, manganese, and molybdenum, and it destroys vitamin E. Its own absorption is blocked by calcium
and magnesium. Additionally, when a mineral is lacking, its heavy metal equivalent tends to be held and
used, for example: cadmium sits just beneath zinc in the periodic table of the elements, so their
structures are similar. Cadmium can replace zinc in the tissues and in enzyme binding sites. An
important cause of cadmium toxicity, other than exposure, is a zinc deficiency. If zinc is deficient due to
poor diet or stress, the body will absorb cadmium from food, water, or the air, and use it in place of zinc.
Our greatest exposure to cadmium is white flour!
7
Nevertheless, if a mouse cannot make MT, then it should not get copper deficient when fed a high-zinc
diet. We fed some of these mice and some control mice (ones that can make MT) diets that contained
normal amounts of zinc and some that contained much more zinc. The results showed that the mouse
without MT got copper deficient when fed the same high-zinc diet as the mouse that had MT. This study
strongly suggests that the old theory is not true and that stimulation of MT is not necessary for high-zinc
to bring about a copper deficiency. We suggest instead that the high zinc is inhibiting a copper transport
protein in the intestinal membrane, and copper cannot be absorbed”—Reeves PG, Copper Metabolism in
Metallothionein-null Mice Fed a High-zinc Diet. J Nutr Biochem 9:598-601, 1998. Copper is
preferentially bound to transferrin, the protein transport molecule in the mucosa, competing with iron.
Normally, this transport mechanism is not completely saturated, so there are adequate binding sites for
both the iron and the copper. Nevertheless, when copper is administered in excess, iron absorption is
inhibited because of the preferential binding of copper to the transferrin. Supplement copper and zinc,
and copper and iron, at different times of day. When serum iron is high, supplement transferrin
(lactoferrin) to bind the iron and transport it safely. Colostrum is a good source of lactoferrin.
Transferrin is a blood protein that carries iron through the blood to the bone marrow, spleen, and liver for
either the storage of iron as ferritin or the manufacture of new red blood cells. It is a protein with a relatively
short half-life that can be a marker for recent protein status, and it is used for this purpose. Low blood
transferrin may be an indicator of protein or calorie malnutrition, resulting in inadequate synthesis of
transferrin by the liver or it can result from excess protein loss through the kidneys (proteinuria). A systemic
infection or cancer can also lower the blood transferrin level. A high blood transferrin is a marker of iron
deficiency. If an individual has a low blood transferrin level, the production of hemoglobin can be impaired
and can lead to anemia, even if there is ample iron in the body.
Ceruloplasmin is a copper-containing protein involved in handing over iron from transferrin to
hemoglobin in the formation of new red blood cells, or in removing iron from old red blood cells for
inclusion in new ones. A copper deficiency results in low ceruloplasmin and can result in anemia that
presents much like iron-deficiency (microcytic, hypochromic) anemia, possibly leading to a
misdiagnosis. A ceruloplasmin deficiency is associated with iron accumulation in the pancreas, liver,
and brain, resulting in neurological disorders. Laboratory testing for iron overload/hemochromatosis
begins with two specific blood tests, Serum Iron and TIBC (total iron binding capacity), from which the
Serum Transferrin Saturation is calculated. Serum Ferritin is frequently measured as well, if possible
while fasting, to evaluate the body’s iron stores and estimate the degree of iron overload.
Blood and urine analyses yielded evidence of a metallothionein dysfunction in 499 of 503 patients (99%) diagnosed
with autism spectrum disorders, according to Walsh, suggesting that autism may be caused by either a genetic MT
defect or a biochemical abnormality, which disables MT protein. Mechanisms with the potential for disrupting MT
functioning include severe Zn depletion, possibly from a pyrrole disorder, impaired synthesis of GSH, toxic metal
overload, and a sulfur amino acid abnormality. “An MT disorder may affect the development of brain neurons and
may cause impairments in the immune system and gastrointestinal tract, along with hypersensitivity to toxic
metals,” he said. The excess copper in these kids is probably from two causes. Mercury depresses zinc, and there is
a high incidence of zinc malabsorption. To reduce copper, you must use significant amounts of vitamin C and zinc.
Nevertheless, the slower the metabolism of an individual, the more likely he is to develop copper overload,
regardless of his copper intake, according to David L. Watts, D.C., Ph.D., director of research at Trace Elements,
Inc., in Dallas, Texas, and author of Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients (Trace Elements, 1995).
Treatment for this imbalance between zinc and copper centers on stimulation of MT protein with
divalent metals (such as zinc and manganese) that are in depletion, and by providing N-acetylcysteine,
8
serine, selenium, and other constituents of MT. Of secondary benefit are vitamins B6, A, C, D, E,
glutathione, and glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory drugs). This treatment should be gradual during the
first 4 weeks of treatment to avoid rapid release of copper from tissues, which could cause a sudden
worsening of symptoms. MT-Promotion must be done very carefully to avoid zinc depletion that can
result in temporary worsening of behavior, stimming, enuresis, etc. “Severe zinc deficiency has effects
on the distribution of nine elements (potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc,
copper, and manganese) in regions of the rat brain” J Nutr 113(10):1895-905 (1983)].
Speaking of Fibromyalgia, Dr. Brice E. Vickery, DC stated, “At the end of the seventies I found that
nine out of ten subjects examined were not able to digest/transport, utilize, or incorporate the daily
dietary protein that was usually adequate (except for some vegetarians) in intake. The discoveries of
Rheinholdt Voll, M.D. enabled me to put two and two together and establish that the malfunction of the
pancreatic points that he identified as protein digestion function, carbohydrate digestion function, and
fat digestion function on the Pancreas Meridian were almost always caused by lack of suitable amino
acids (which can be from a lack of zinc to form a digestive enzyme, or an imbalance in sodium and
potassium -WSL). We developed the Vickery-Voll test that was the beginning of an entirely new view
of the body.
“The way it is believed to work is simple. The (supplementation of) amino acids in the correct proportions and in
adequate amounts reverse this deficiency by supplying the pancreas and intestinal glands with the ingredients
necessary to synthesize adequate digestive enzymes to digest the dietary intake. Having the necessary enzymes,
the daily food intake is more completely utilized and the transport or carrier proteins are manufactured in suitable
amounts and the entire ‘Enzyme Cascade’ of the body is re-established. This begins within twelve hours! Signs of
a lack of enzymes are: fatigue, headaches, sinus problems, allergies, colon problems, arthritis and joint pain, acne,
and ADD/ADHD”—Dr. Susan Lark. If taking the labeled amount of the enzyme supplement with each meal and
major snack doesn’t solve the digestive problem, increase the amount.
Every case of fibromyalgia is found to have this deficiency of enzymes, and a vitamin D lack, as does
many other problems. Oxidative stress plays a role in Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). In
fact, those with Pancreatitis have low levels of vitamins D and E and other antioxidants. This may be
due to lack of absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin E) because the enzymes from the
pancreas required to absorb fat are not functioning properly, or, this may be due to poor intake. Surely,
these children lack needed proteins for enzymes and carriers, and use of a digestive enzyme supplement
and additional protein input (including pure amino acids—proline and lysine being particularly
important in building collagen) will greatly benefit these children in most cases.
Mercury adversely affects detoxification systems such as metallothionein (MT), cytochrome p450
(Phase I) liver enzymes, and bile. Mercury ties up this material so it cannot bind and clear other metals
such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum. Mercury inhibits sulfur ligands in MT and, in the case of
intestinal cell membranes, inactivates MT that normally binds cuprous ions, thus allowing buildup of
copper to toxic levels and malfunction of the zinc and copper containing antioxidant, Super Oxide
Dismutase (SOD). Mercury induced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation (forming free
radicals) has been found to be a major factor in mercury’s neurotoxicity, along with its leading to
decreased levels of the vital enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Attempts to lower this mercury/heay metal load can be problematic when you chelate heavy metals too
aggressively with DMPS or DMSA. They can damage the pancreas as testified to by those who have
been there. There are safer, perhaps slower, ways that will preserve your pancreas.
9
Subject: Chronic Pancreatitis and Depletion of Glutathione Disease ...
Xenobiotic metabolism, oxidant stress, and chronic pancreatitis. Focus on glutathione.
Wallig MA - Digestion - 1998; 59 Suppl 4: 13-24
Chronic pancreatitis, although relatively rare in the Western World, is common in certain tropical zones
where staple crops such as cassava are rich in cyanogenic glycosides. This paper reviews the evidence
for a cyanide connection, with reference to experimental studies using another plant nitrile, crambene;
and then examines the hypothesis that chronic pancreatitis represents a manifestation of
uncoordinated detoxification reactions between Phase I, pancreatic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and phase II conjugating enzymes, resulting in the irreversible consumption of
glutathione in the acinar cell of the pancreas. The conclusion is that the central role of disrupted
pancreatic glutathione status, as a result of 'xenobiotic stress', in the evolution of chronic pancreatitis
cannot be overestimated. This position contrasts with that in acute pancreatitis, in which glutathione
depletion has a pivotal role too, but occurs as a result of 'stress' from reactive oxygen species. End.
Dr. Jill St. James found that 80% of autistic children lack up to 80% of normal levels of glutathione and
its precursors, leaving none to spare for aggressive detoxification. There seems to be a direct correlation
between levels Hepatitis A, B, and C viral infections and mercury toxicity and levels of glutathione,
whereby increased viral activity precedes decreased glutathione levels. For a successful recovery from
mercury poisoning, among other disorders, the importance of additional glutathione and
supplementation of essential fatty acids (fish oil etc.) and anti-oxidants should be emphasized. This lack
of adequate antioxidants allows further toxicity and free-radical damage; however, use of Sodium
Ascorbate in high amounts will prevent much of this damage. Nevertheless, the use of this phenolic (as
ascorbid acid) can make barbiturates more toxic, and is pharmaceutically incompatible with sodium
salicylate, sodium nitrate theobromine, and methenamine. Twenty percent of the people tested were
reactive to ascorbic acid. Sodium Ascorbate is better tolerated. Some of this reactivity may be from
allergy to source material (usually corn).
As with other cell types, the proliferation, growth, and differentiation of immune cells is dependent on
glutathione (GSH). The B-lymphocytes require adequate levels of intracellular GSH to differentiate, and
healthy humans with relatively low lymphocyte GSH were found to have significantly lower CD4
counts. Intracellular GSH is also required for the T-cell proliferative response to mitogenic stimulation,
for the activation of cytotoxic T “killer” cells, and for many specific T-cell functions, including DNA
synthesis for cell replication, as well as for the metabolism of interleukin-2, which is important for the
mitogenic response. Experimental depletion of GSH inhibits immune cell functions, sometimes
markedly, and in a number of different experimental systems the intracellular GSH of lymphocytes was
shown to determine the magnitude of immunological capacity. These and other findings indicate that
intracellular GSH status plays a central role in the functioning of immune cells. Interestingly, in those
animals that could not make their own ascorbate (newborn rats, guinea pigs), GSH depletion was lethal.
Supplementation of the diet with ascorbate protected these animals against GSH depletion and saved
their lives. Since children with autism are very low on GSH, ensure that they are getting significant
amounts of vitamin C, preferably as Sodium Ascorbate.
Vitamin C possesses abilities that are characterized by its capacity to antagonize (neutralize) many of
the pharmacological effects of histamine (undermethylation). It should be employed with (in place of)
the antihistamine drugs in all allergic states. It is because of this factor that it serves so well in the
treatment of acute rheumatic fever. Additionally, sufficient quantities of vitamin C will relieve the
10
intraocular pressure in glaucomatous eyes, relieve prickly heat, and is a positive reversal for pemphigus.
Aside from this and the virus diseases (in proper amounts, it kills all viruses), it is of tremendous value
in all diseases in which an exotoxin is produced (Candida, Clostridia, etc.). It also has specificity for
SNAKE BITE, except for the cobra and the coral. It neutralizes all exotoxins. It is directly concerned
with antibody formation, and this in turn leads to an increase in gamma globulin of the blood serum. It
joins with the virus to form a new compound that is destroyed by oxidation. It makes all body cells more
permeable which allows entrance of immune factors otherwise denied. It prevents or lessens tissue
damage. It serves as a hydrogen transport in cellular respiration. It functions as a dehydrator and
diuretic. It is the KEY to good health. Watch for the signs that reveal pre-existing chronic vitamin C
deficiencies. Shaw (1945 5) states that food deposits on our teeth and dental tartar represents this
condition. (I might add any signs of pyrrohea and/or nosebleed should be a red flag.) People who find
that they are counted in this group should supplement their diet with at least two grams of vitamin C (as
Sodium Ascorbate) each day - Dr Fred R. Klenner, MD.
Glutathione consumption from foods ranges from 25-125 milligrams per day. With the provision of
sufficient amounts of sulfur, the liver will produce far more glutathione (up to 14,000 milligrams per
day) than what the diet provides. Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, eggs, asparagus, onions) may be lacking in
various diets and the provision of sulfur in food supplements (sulfur-bearing amino acids like Nacetylcysteine, taurine, MSM, and lipoic acid), or glutathione itself may be advantageous.
“Glyconutrients have proven to enhance glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase”—Sugars that
Heal, by Emil I. Mondoa, MD, Page 191. The Mannose found in Ambrotose® significantly inhibits superoxide anion
formation, thus reducing hydrogen peroxide formation — Kim HS, et al, 8/99. Ambrotose AO™ by Mannatech™
combines vital glyconutrients with needed antioxidants and precursors that form glutathione nicely addressing this
lack. Additionally, vitamin D reduces inflammatory cytokines and increases concentrations of glutathione - the brain’s
master antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can raise abnormally low GSH levels also. Van Zandwijk found that a
daily dose of 600 mg NAC was beneficial and innocuous while 1200 mg and 1800 mg per day caused significant
adverse effects, possibly by contributing to cysteine toxicity and to its chelating heavy metals (moving mercury).
Cysteine catabolism produces two sets of products: pyruvate + sulfate + ammonia and taurine + CO2. One of
cysteine’s “breakdown” enzymes, cysteine dioxygenase (CDO), needed to form these metabolites has been
demonstrated to be low in children with autism. This tends to an excess of cysteine that can reach toxic levels, and
possibly to a lack of CO2. Excess free cysteine has been implicated in several degenerative diseases including
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism (neurodevelopmental), Parkinson’s Disease, Peripheral Neuron
Degeneration, and others. This requires some caution in using NAC and GSH (transdermally). Note that cysteine
dioxygenase is a non-heme iron enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-cysteine to cysteine sulfinic acid (cysteine
sulfinate) by incorporation of dioxygen. Supplement serine and vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, selenium, molybdenum,
and iron (if needed) to support this pathway. The amino acid glycine readily converts to serine and supports glutathione
production.
Metallothioneins across species are rich in cysteine (~30%) and have higher affinities for mercury (Hg) and
cadmium (Cd) than for zinc. Therefore, as Hg and Cd bind to metallothionein, and are restricted from entering the
mitochondria, zinc is released. The free, ionized zinc, which would be toxic if permitted to accumulate, binds to a
metal regulatory element on the promoter region of the metallothionein gene and “turns on” the synthesis of
metallothionein. Increases of as much as 3-times are reported. Such induction of metallothionein provides
increased binding capacity for both toxic metals (protective) and zinc (functional). The displacement of zinc in the
presence of toxic metal burden may explain in part why increased levels of zinc are so commonly seen in the scalp
hair of patients exhibiting significant levels of toxic metals Hg, Cd, Pb (Quig, unpublished observations). Most of
the zinc is cellular with only a small amount in the blood plasma. For this reason, blood tests are a poor indicator
11
of systemic zinc status.
Retrospective analysis of the full-blood count and, as far as was available, serum-ferritin measurements of 96 children
(52 with autism and 44 with Asperger’s syndrome) was undertaken. Six of the autistic group (11.54%) was shown to
have iron deficiency anemia and, of the 23 autistic children who had serum ferritin measured, 12 (52.17%) were iron
deficient. Only two of the Asperger’s group (4.55%) had iron deficiency anemia and, of the 23 children who had their
serum ferritin measured, only three (13.64%) showed iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency, with or without anemia,
can impair cognition, and is associated with poor muscle strength, and with developmental slowing in infants, and
mood changes and poor concentration in children.
Furthermore, autistics’ minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids are deficient and/or imbalanced. Their production of red
and white blood cells is irregular. They have a dysfunctional immune system (often attacking “self”). They frequent
show a high, white-blood-cell count indicating inflammation (now seen as a stroke predictor—chronic, low-level
inflammation increases risk of heart disease by 5 and risk of stroke by 4 in postmenopausal women) that will quickly
normalize when adequate anti-inflammatory enzymes are provided. (I recommend Vitalzym™ or Wobenzym NTM
from your health food store. At the very least, give bromelain in significant amounts. Nevertheless, remember that
some who take bromelain get diarrhea and some are allergic to it. Dr. Carlos Pardo-Villamizar, an assistant professor of
neurology and pathology at Johns Hopkins, studied the brain tissue of 11 people with autism who died at ages 5 to 44.
He found a pattern of inflammation in the same regions that appear to have excess white matter. The brain has an innate
immune system separate from the body. Tart cherries have been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling
more effectively than aspirin! Tart cherry juice is 10-times more effective than aspirin according to a Michigan State
University study. Cherrie juice may be contraindicated for those with dysbiosis or blood sugar problems.
Dr. Robert Ader, University of Rochester, discovered that the immune system, like the brain, can learn! He gave rats a
drug, which suppresses the production of white cells by the bone marrow, along with saccharin-laced water. Afterward,
when only given saccharin water, the T-cell count was reduced the same as with the drug! Shades of Pavlof’s dogs!
What does that say about our drug usage for our kids? Drugs have sweeteners and other substances in them that could
mark the immune system; we discontinue the drug, but continue to take the secondary substances the drug contained
and the drug response continues to our detriment! Could we make this work for us? We take a helpful drug for a time,
taking it with some saccharin or juice. We then discontinue the drug while continuing to take the juice at the same time
of day. Will we not continue to get the benefits without the side effects?
Additionally, Ader’s colleague noted that emotions have a powerful effect on the autonomic nervous system, which
regulates everything from how much insulin is secreted to blood pressure levels. They then detected a meeting point
where the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) directly talks to lymphocytes and macrophages, cells of the immune
system. They found synapse-like contacts where the nerve terminals of the autonomic system have endings that
directly abut those of the immune cells. This physical contact point allows the nerve cells to release neurotransmitters to
regulate immune cells, indeed they signal back and forth. Additionally, the nervous system and the immune system
communicate with each other through hormones and other substances. This pathway connects the emotions to the
immune system via the hormones released when under emotional or other stressors. So, the nervous system not only
connects to the immune system; but it is essential to its proper function. Stress suppresses immune function when these
stress hormones are elevated, becoming chronic and long-lasting when stress is constant as it is for these affected
children. People who experienced chronic anxiety, long periods of sadness, pessimism, unremitting tension, incessant
hostility, relentless cynicism, or suspiciousness were found to have double the risk of disease – including asthma,
arthritis, headache, peptic ulcers, and heart disease. Parents, as well as their autistic children, are likely to suffer from
several of these risk factors; so, Mom, Dad, take care of yourself first!
Eighty percent suffer mitochondrial disorders (lack of energy production) according to Dr. Colemen, of
George Washington University Hospital. According to Dr. Raphael Kellman, MD, NYC, who
12
specializes in thyroid treatment, ninety percent of his patients suffer some degree of hypothyroidism
despite “normal” TSH readings (“normal” TSH, T4 readings aren’t enough; to create the enzymes
needed to convert fats to energy, thyroid hormone T4 must be converted to T3; so, adequate, free T3
values are vital). Eighty-three percent suffer dysfunctional Phase I and II, liver-enzyme activity (causing
a build up of toxins and heavy metals), and 85% of autistics meet criteria for malabsorption leading to a
multitude of nutrient deficiencies (Wm. Walsh). Both the autistic and the ADHD children often suffer
lymphoid modular hyperplasia (measles infection in the gut-Wakefield). Thus, children with autism do
not absorb food properly, leading to nutrient deficiencies.
The most common deficiencies of poor diet and malabsorption are fatty acids, the minerals iodine, zinc,
selenium, magnesium, and calcium, and the vitamins A, B6, C, D, K, and E. There are various reasons,
for example, acid foods make selenium insoluble, so babies regularly fed fruit juices are liable to
malabsorption of selenium. Do not give selenium with acid juices! Further, a study of children in
Zaire, found that in hypothyroidism induced by iodine deficiency, supplementing as little as 50 mcg/day
selenium caused increased hypothyroid conditions, lowering T4, raising TSH (probably due to increased
conversion of T4 to T3 – a good thing). Do not supplement selenium when iodine is deficient, or better,
do supplement iodine significantly when supplementing selenium. Additionally, you must supplement
iodine and antioxidants vitamins C and E and selenium when supplementing the fatty acids or you will
deplete these vital nutrients and suffer free-radical damage.
Results obtained following iodine supplementation revealed that in some subjects, the urine levels of
mercury, lead, and cadmium increased by several fold after just one day of supplementation! For
aluminum, this increased excretion was not observed usually until after one month or more on the iodine
supplement. Additionally, iodine supplementation resulted in marked increase in bromide excretion, and
to a lesser extent in fluoride also. Iodine may cause gastritis and reflux by disengaging the bromine
found in commercial bread, in particular, in the gut, and it is relieved by chlorophyll. Lack of iodine and
zinc contribute to lack of stomach acid production. These findings have since been replicated in a large
number of tests. Female patients with breast cancer seem to retain more iodine on the loading test then
normal subjects and excreted more bromide than normal subjects.
The form of B6 supplemented may be important, as it was found that the amount of activated B6
(pyridoxal-5-phosphate) was low in 42% of autistics. These deficiencies compromise immune function,
and provide inadequate, antioxidant protection to offset the high, oxidative stress these children suffer,
thus causing significant damage to cells throughout the body and brain.
The mechanism of stress upon the body was just reported in the May 2008 issue of Brain, Behavior, and
Immunity. Telomeres are caps at the ends of chromosomes that contribute to their stability. Each time a
cell divides, telomeres lose length; and thus, a cell’s life is determined. Abnormally shortened telomeres
in white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, have been associated with HIV, osteoporosis, heart disease,
and aging. Telomeres also lose length in response to chronic stress. Activity of an enzyme within the
cell known as telomerase helps prevent telomere shortening and maintains the cells’ ability to continue
dividing. Rita Effros, et al, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine studied lymphocytes from healthy
donors between the ages of 25 and 55. After three days, cultures treated with high cortisol levels found
in the chronically stressed had fewer cells than the control cultures. Telomerase activity was reduced by
up to 50 percent compared with activity measured in control cultures treated with the amount of cortisol
found in nominally stressed humans (that had no effect upon the telomerase activity). The discovery
explains how stress by reducing telomerase activity accelerates cellular aging (and destroys brain cells
by the billions), via increased cortisol production. Reducing stress and or its effects is vital to your
health and length of life and to your autistic child’s responses.
13
Dr. Bill Walsh confirmed this: “I returned from last week’s DAN! Think Tank convinced that the
preponderance of evidence now points directly to oxidative stress and oxidative damage as the prime
culprit in autism. My definition of autism is the following: A genetic weakness in ability to cope with
environmental insults, resulting in severe, oxidative stress, incompetent intestinal and blood-brain
barriers, and incomplete maturation of the brain during early development. I may be wrong, but I doubt
it”-Email to Kathy Blanco, 2/21/04. Dr. Walsh went on to state, iron free radicals (ions) represent the
primary oxidative stress in the brain of most humans. ASD involves oxidative stress during early brain
development. In theory, elevated iron in the brain could result in ASD. A genetic inability to regulate
iron might be causative in 1/3 of autism cases.”
Underlying all these biochemical imbalances, according to the report, Still No Free Lunch, food scientists have
compared the nutritional levels of modern crops with historic, and generally lower-yielding, ones. Today’s food
production methods provide 10 to 25 percent less iron, zinc, protein, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients in
our foods. Researchers from Washington State University analyzed 63 spring wheat cultivars grown between
1842 and 2003 and found an 11 percent decline in iron content, a 16 percent decline in copper, a 25 percent
decline in zinc, and a 50 percent decline in selenium! This fact makes use of a good multivitamin/mineral
supplement vital to health, well-being, and length of life, especially in today’s stressed out world. One study
confirmed this. Over a ten year period, only half as many, who took a multivitamin/mineral supplement, died!
Mothers are under as much or more stress than their children and need to deal with it as outlined herein. Studies
show that vitamin C at 1500-3000 mg day reduced all markers of stress in both marathoners and work-stressed
subjects, including lower cortisol levels. Still other studies showed that both omega-3 fish oil and
Phosphatidylserine significantly blunted the rise in cortisol levels and lowered other markers of stress, resulting in
reduction of anger, aggression, and depression. Chromium (200 mg day) reduces cortisol levels by 47%, as does a
45-minute massage (backrub?). Take a hot, Epsom salts bath. Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, prevents
adrenal burnout that often occurs from long-continued, chronic stress. Finally, moderate, daily exercise lowers
stress-induced hormone levels, enhances immune function, boosts circulation to the brain, improves quality of
sleep, and aids in weight-control. A recent study showed that the telomeres, that determine when a cell can no
longer reproduce itself and must die, were shortened by oxidative stress, decreasing by at least 10 years one’s life
expectancy! Another study showed that those who were optimistic had a 55% lower risk of death from all causes,
and a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular death! Another study found that those under constant pressure were up to 21/2 times more likely to suffer a heart attack than those with relatively stress-free lives. Mom, use these
supplements, keep a hopeful, expectant outlook. Socialize, laugh a lot, take a walk, and take care of yourself first!
Your family needs you for the full course.
Another study is reported: Abou Donia of Duke University in a decade of neurologic research has revealed
widespread damage to the brain, nervous system, liver, and testes of rats exposed to 60 days of low-dose
chemicals -- the insect repellant DEET, the insecticide permethrin, and the anti-nerve gas agent pyridostigmine
bromide. These are the drugs given soldiers during the Persian Gulf War, and the rats were exposed to the same
levels -- in weight-adjusted doses -- as the soldiers were reportedly given. DEET alone caused a decrease in
BBB permeability in the brainstem. A combination of DEET and permethrin significantly decreased the BBB
permeability in the cortex. All treatments caused a significant decline in sensorimotor performance in a doseand time-dependent manner. These results show that daily dermal exposure to DEET, alone or in combination
with permethrin, decreased BBB permeability in certain brain regions, and impaired sensorimotor
performance. Do not use DEET on children.
Now, Abou Donia has demonstrated that the combination of stress and short-term exposure to chemicals (28 days)
can promote cellular death in specific brain regions and serious injury to the liver. Brain regions that sustained
14
significant damage in this study were the cerebral cortex (motor and sensory function), the hippocampus (learning
and memory), and the cerebellum (gait and coordination of movements). His earlier studies demonstrated severe
damage to the cingulate cortex, dentate gyrus, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Stress alone caused little or no brain injury in the rats, nor did the three chemicals given together in low doses for
28 days. “But when we put the animals under moderate stress by simply restricting their movement in a plastic
holder for five minutes at a time every day, the animals experienced enough stress that it intensified the effects of
the chemicals dramatically.” The study showed that stress plus chemicals increased the amount of destructive
molecules in the brain called reactive oxygen species -- also known as oxygen free radicals. This astonishing study
shows again the absolute necessity of maintaining high levels of a variety of antioxidants by all who value their
health and well being in today’s toxic, stress-filled world!
An explanation of the why of some of these things is suggested in tests on mice. Since the immune
system develops during gestation, maternal zinc deprivation has been studied in mice. The results
showed that the offspring born to zinc-deficient dams had a greatly reduced immunocompetence, the
lymphoid organs being particularly affected. Another study by the same authors found that this
diminished immunocompetence can persist for as long as three generations of normally fed offspring!
The problem is inherited, but not genetic! Further studies showed that if the offspring were only
moderately deprived of zinc during the latter two-thirds of pregnancy, even this can lead to long-lasting,
aberrant patterns of serum Immunoglobulins-G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) levels, despite a
complete, nutritional rehabilitation beginning at birth. This seems discouraging of recovery, but the
possibility of recovery is in therapeutic amounts of vitamin B6 and zinc. Additionally, the powerful
antioxidant formula, Ambrotose AO™, will greatly enhance that possibility. Since much of the problem is
from “toxins” from Candida or other gut pathogens and environmental poisons, it is helpful to know that
vitamin B12, greatly lacking in the American diet, is powerful in decomposing all toxins. Sublingual
Methylcobalamin (Source Naturals) or B12 injections are very beneficial. Many DAN! doctors are using B12
injections with good results.
Having read the above, one may get the impression that all is well with Mom and Dad. Not so! Though a recent
study reports that autistic patients are in fact characterized by presenting in their blood high levels of noninherited antibodies against the body’s own brain tissue, and confirmed that these antibodies were not present
in their parents, these are still inherited characteristics. Studies show tremendous lack in the American public.
Men and women show these deficiencies in astonishingly high numbers:
Vitamins
A
B1
B2
B6
C
D
E
Pyrophosphate
Men
8%
38%
01%
57%
29%
98%
40%
46%
Women
9%
63% Yes!
21%
86% Yes! The Pill is largely responsible.
24%
98% Wow!
60%
46%
Is it any wonder that Dr. Chandra found that even healthy oldsters were greatly benefited in Immune Function by
taking a slightly higher than RDA multivitamin/mineral supplement? A recent study states, “These results are the
first experimental evidence that deficiency alone results in early developmental defects in the brain. The decreased
maturation of the radial glial cells of the CA1 region of the hippocampus is related to the deficiency of thyroid
hormones in the fetal brain, mainly caused by the maternal hypothyroxinemia, and not to a deficiency of the trace15
element itself.” These deficiencies are passed to the children with the above-mentioned results. Is it any wonder
our children are less and less healthy and plagued with infections and mental problems? Nevertheless, our and our
children’s diets still lack iodine, even when taking a multi!
Pottenger’s Cat Experiments illustrate the genetic tendency principles:
In the 1940’s Francis M. Pottenger, M.D., began a ten-year study using 900 cats to determine what
effects processed foods have on the body, and to examine the genetic propensity of passing degenerative
disease traits from generation to generation. The cats were divided into five groups with two of the
groups fed raw whole foods and while the other three groups ate cooked, enzyme-less foods. At the
time, it was thought that this single difference accounted for the observed problems, but we now know
that the cats cannot metabolize taurine (people can) and must obtain it from raw (animal) foods. This
does not change the below observations. The fact that people do eat some raw, enzyme-bearing food,
and do metabolize taurine, probably accounts for the fact that we haven’t yet failed totally in our being
able to reproduce. The cats were observed over a four-generation period, and the following results were
documented:
16
POTTENGER CAT EXPERIMENT SUMMARY
GROUP
A
B
C
D
E
FOOD FED
Raw meat
Raw milk
Pasteurized milk
Evaporated milk
Condensed milk
1st Generation
Remained
healthy
Remained
healthy
Developed diseases and illnesses near end of life
2nd Generation
Remained
healthy
Remained
healthy
Developed diseases and illnesses in middle of life
3rd Generation
Remained
healthy
Remained
healthy
Developed diseases and illnesses in beginning of life; many died
before six months of age;
4th Generation
Remained
healthy
Remained
healthy
No fourth generation was produced: either third generation parents
were sterile, or fourth generation cats were aborted before birth
Source: Pottenger’s Cats, a Study in Nutrition
Similarly, the nutritional importance of using only fresh, stone-ground grains was revealed in
studies done in Germany (Bernasek, 1970). Rats were fed diets consisting of either 50% flour or
bread and 50% rat chow. Group 1 consumed fresh stone-ground flour. Group 2 ate bread made
with this flour. Group 3 consumed the same flour as group 1, but after 15 days of storage. Group 4
ate bread made with the stale flour fed to group 3. A fifth group consumed white flour. After four
generations, only the rats fed fresh, stone-ground flour or bread made with it maintained their
fertility! The rats in groups 3 to 5 became infertile! - Mark Sircus Ac., OMD.
This and the Pottenger’s cats study give insight into why children today are getting degenerative
diseases that used to only show up in humans at an age of 50 years or older.
These genetic weaknesses will get worse with each succeeding generation if they continue an enzyme-less,
nutrient-poor diet. The study proved that epigenetic weakness becomes more evident with each generation, but
more importantly, that there comes a point when it becomes totally out of control. This is evident in the fourth
generation. It took another three generations for third-generation cats placed on a raw-food diet at birth to
return to base-line health of the first generation! Confirming this, a study of very old humans showed that their
lifestyle had more to do with their advanced age than did the age attained by their parents. Nevertheless, parents
must take care of their health needs before conceiving a child! Those concerned may request my paper
“Preparation for a Healthy, Happy Child”.
One study found that problem foods in the diet accounted for 24% of the symptoms in children who
were already gluten-free and casein-free; however, problem foods in the diet accounted for 34% of
the symptoms in children who were not previously gluten-free and casein-free. Although there is great
variation among children, in most children, we found approximately one-third of the symptoms were
food related and two thirds of the symptoms were related to the environmental factors: volatile organics,
plastics, resins, and molds. In terms of the types of symptoms, there was great variation; however, most
children responded as follows: Physical symptoms such as congestion, eczema, and asthma were equally
caused by food and environmental factors. Symptoms associated with the digestive system were
associated with foods two-thirds of the time, and associated with environmental factors one-third of the
time. Neurological symptoms were associated with environmental factors 84% of the time, and
associated with foods 16% of the time. Included in this group of symptoms were head banging, seizures,
cognitive abilities, withdrawal, depression, temperament, moodiness, OCD, violence, aggression,
sensory sensitivity, self-stimulation, and social interaction - social awareness and abilities. Nevertheless,
a study of 45 children following an SCD dietary and environmental avoidance protocol found the
children’s symptoms largely disappeared.
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It is interesting to note that uric acid plays a key, antioxidant role in the plasma: uric acid (along with glutathione and
lipoic acid) scavenges peroxynitrite (a dangerous, free radical that contributes to inflammatory processes and hardening
of the arteries—Chen 2002); and thus inhibits CNS inflammation, blood-CNS barrier permeability changes, and tissue
damage in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis—FASEB J 2000 Apr; 14(5):691-8. Many of these children have low
urea/uric acid, possibly reflecting high, oxidative stress. Stress also causes the body to use zinc and magnesium, and the
resulting lack of magnesium can cause depression, anxiety, sensitivities to light, sounds, temperature, and touch, and to
heart problems, particularly a rapid beat and arrhythmias. This may not be from lack of intake but due to excessive
gastrointestinal losses from malabsorption (take magnesium taurate to greatly enhance absorption and to reduce the
laxative effect of unabsorbed magnesium), diarrhea, bowel resection, or renal losses due to hypercalcemia, alcohol
excess, or use of diuretics, chemotherapy, or antibiotics. It occurs also as a metabolic derangement of both thyroid and
parathyroid disorders. The lower levels of magnesium within the cell not only doubles the generation of free radicals,
but greatly lowers glutathione (as does a lack of vitamin D), resulting in 40 to 50% more damage! The nutrient
deficiencies can occasionally cause extreme behaviors; some children with autism have been reported to have actually
gouged out their eyes due to a calcium deficit. If your child is pushing at his eyes, supplement calcium, magnesium,
and vitamin D3, and get him in the sun. Nevertheless, researchers took skin biopsies of 12 children with burn injuries
and tracked their vitamin D levels for seven years. They found that the children’s skin (even unburned skin) became so
inefficient at generating vitamin D that exposure to sunlight alone does not produce enough of the vitamin!
Hyperacusis, which is defined as abnormal acuteness of hearing due to increased irritability of the sensory neural
mechanism; is characterized by intolerance for ordinary sound levels. Unlike hypersensitivity to low-pitched hums, this
is hypersensitivity to all sounds making day-to-day life a misery. One report links 40% of autism cases with
Hyperacusis!
Children with autism have a lot of metabolic abnormalities as indicated, but that is a result of the problems with
their immune system. Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) induce a dramatic activation of the immune system
and autoantibody production in the genetically susceptible. This autoimmune syndrome is dependent on TCells, which are important for B-Cell activation and cytokine secretion. Studies have found mercury impairs
the body’s ability to kill Candida albicans by impairment of the lytic activity of neutrophils. Plant workers with
average mercury excretion of 20-ug/g creatinine were found to have long-lasting impairment of neutrophil
function. “Candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino
acids such as phenylalanine/tyrosine and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine, epinephrine, and
norepinephrine, and serotonin, respectively” “The pro-oxidative effects of the metals are compounded by the
fact that the metals also inhibit antioxidative enzymes and deplete intracellular glutathione.” (Quig,
unpublished). This can lead to many if not all their health and behavior problems, and is a major reason to
ensure a high intake of protective antioxidants such as Ambrotose AO™ (Mannatech, Inc.), selenium, alpha
lipoic acid, and vitamins C and E.
A likely cause of this hoarding of heavy metals by the autistic child is set forth and two effective ways
to overcome autoimmunity are suggested:
Vitamin D treatment effect lies in activated vitamin D’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Its
administration decreases production of inflammatory cytokines in the brain, which have
consistently been associated with brain impairment. Activated vitamin D stimulates neurotrophin
release (neurotrophin induces the survival of nerve cells), reduces toxic calcium levels in the
brain, and inhibits the production of nitrous oxide (excess nitrous oxide destroys brain cells).
Besides reducing inflammatory cytokines, vitamin D does one more vital thing: it increases
concentrations of glutathione—the brain’s master antioxidant.
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Vitamin D’s role in increasing glutathione levels may explain the link between mercury and other
heavy metals, oxidative stress, and autism. For example, activated vitamin D lessens heavy metal
induced oxidative injuries in rat brain. The primary route for brain toxicity of most heavy metals
is through depletion of glutathione. Besides its function as a master antioxidant, glutathione acts
as a chelating (binding) agent to remove heavy metals, like mercury. Autistic individuals have
difficulty excreting heavy metals. If brain levels of activated vitamin D are too low to employ
glutathione properly, and thus unable to remove heavy metals, they may be damaged by heavy
metal loads normal children easily excrete. [Take note that the usual vitamin D supplement
(ergocalciferol) has potency of about one-quarter that of sun-generated vitamin D3
(cholecalciferol).]
Seizures are very common in autism and activated vitamin D reduces the seizure
threshold by making brain tissue less likely to seize. A controlled study found vitamin D
reduced the incidence of seizures in patients with intractable seizures (as does
magnesium sulfate - Epsom salts - as a bath or medically infused/injected).
Professors Hollis and Wagner of the Medical University of South Carolina discovered
that breast milk is a source of vitamin D that is rich enough to maintain healthy levels in
infants—provided the mothers took at least 4,000 units/day. Moms must get in the
sun with their infants! - Excerpted from: The May 2007 Vitamin D Newsletter: Autism
and Vitamin D. by John Cannell, MD, Atascadero, CA.
Safe upper limit may not accommodate the need for folic acid by fertile Caucasian females living in
equatorial climates (solar ultraviolet radiation significantly reduces folic acid levels among light-skinned
individuals).
Several months ago, Dr. Almeras, Professor Feron, and their group at the University of the
Mediterranean in Marseilles found developmental vitamin D deficiency disrupts 36 proteins involved in
mammalian brain development. Severe maternal vitamin D deficiency leads to rat pups with increased
brain size and enlarged ventricles (chambers in the brain), abnormalities very similar to those found in
autistic children. Prospective Mothers must get the sun, or supplement with vitamin D3. Take your
vitamin A and D, other than CLO and multivitamins, separately for best results.
Additionally, “I don’t know how many seizure patients I’ve gotten off their medicines by just getting
them off MSG and giving them magnesium (preferably magnesium taurate with vitamins B6 and D3 to
ensure utilization). They quit having seizures. They were on maximum dosages of medications and still
having seizures. Most neurologists and neurosurgeons that treat seizures are not aware of this.” - Dr.
Russell Blaylock, MD.
“MSG toxicity - taurine deficiency link theory is my own. I developed the theory over ten years ago. At
first in my research of glutamate toxicity and its effect on cardiovascular health, most of the neuro
scientific data at the time linked glutamate toxicity to its effect on the amino acid cysteine. (Glutamate
and cysteine compete for uptake in the body.) I then was given an article about the amino acid taurine by
a colleague. That was the link. Taurine deficiency symptoms are the exact same symptoms of MSG
reaction, particularly, a racing heart. (Taurine is the amino acid that regulates heartbeat.) When I
realized that the body manufactures taurine from cysteine, the pieces fell into place. I then tested my
theory. The next MSG reaction I had, I took taurine in pill form. The headache went away, the racing
heart calmed down, the blood pressure went down, and I was able to sleep. Since that time, I have used
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it quite often and always keep some handy as an "antidote". It is interesting to note, that now taurine is
being used in Japan to treat high blood pressure. It is also being studied to treat diabetes and epilepsy
now. These are also two diseases impacted by glutamate. Glutamate triggers the pancreas to produce
insulin, but too much insulin can result in insulin resistance, Type II diabetes, and obesity. Also, MSG is
well known as an epilepsy trigger. All these facts point to the conclusion that ingested MSG somehow
interferes with taurine formation in the body, perhaps by interfering with the uptake of the cysteine
needed to make taurine. It is by no means an "official" theory, but we have had many reports of MSG
sensitive persons who report relief of some MSG reaction symptoms by ingesting taurine. It is also
interesting to note that the body uses Vitamin B6 to make taurine, and that Vitamin B6 deficiency makes
MSG reactions worse.” - Carol A. Hoernlein, P.E., Founder MSGTruth.org. This belief has major
scientific support.
Aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine, among other amino acids, are excitatory in
excess, or in absence of sufficient fuel in the brain. They are antagonistic to the functions of taurine,
alanine, GABA, and glycine according to a contemporary review of taurine by Richard Smayda, D.O.
Consequently, taurine does detoxify glutamates. Taurine (and magnesium) prevents glutamate
excitotoxicity through regulation of calcium and mitochondrial energy metabolism according to
scientists writing in the November 1999 issue of Journal of Neuroscience. They clearly and
unambiguously point out that the control of intracellular calcium concentrations is a fundamental
process in neuronal survival and function. This, prevention of glutamate excitotoxicity, is exactly what
we need. Avoid hypoglycemia to avoid excitotoxic reactions caused by a lack of brain fuel.
Furthermore, viruses are causative: “There are over 20 viruses that have been shown to cause seizures in
people, including many that are ubiquitous and known to have latent states, with Epstein Barr, other
Herpes viruses, influenza, Coxsackie, measles, and mumps being among them. I am personally of the
opinion that chronic latent viruses which have an affinity for glial cells are the main underlying cause of
idiopathic epilepsy.” - John B. Symes, D.V.M.
There is evidence to suggest a possible causal relationship between increased levels of proinflammatory
cytokines and symptoms of aggression and agitation in autism. In agreement with the above, a new, novel
treatment for Autism is reported by Stewart Johnson, father of a severely autistic son, age 16: “After 14 years of
observing my autistic son and researching the topic, I formed the hypothesis that the most difficult symptoms
of autism (including self-abusive behavior, compulsivity, anxiety, behavioral inflexibility, etc.) are the result of
an aberrant immune response. I researched ways to down-regulate the immune system and came to TSO, a
living organism being used successfully to treat other autoimmune disorders (Crohn’s disease). After preparing
a research paper showing this hypothesis was supported by the medical literature, I presented it to my son’s
doctor and we began treating my son with TSO (eggs of helminth). After 10 weeks he completely lost all
symptoms of agitation, aggression, self-abusive behavior (including head smashing/banging and hand biting),
perseveration, behavioral inflexibility, compulsivity, impulsivity, repeated questioning, “stimming”, and
hypersensitivity to external stimuli. He continues to take TSO every two weeks, and the symptoms have been
gone now for 15 months.” Details at www.autismtso.com. Hey, whatever works, but I would give vitamin D
and AmbrotoseR a try first. Note other ways to control inflammatory cytokines discussed herein.
Another parent’s report on head banging (often thought to be due to chronic pain) is of interest: “I told a friend
about annatto 160b as her two-year-old daughter had been splitting her head open head banging. My friend has
kept her daughter off the annatto for a week now and her daughter has stopped head banging. She still gets in
the position when she is throwing a tantrum but doesn't bang her head. This is the only additive she has
removed!” – by email.
Another study found that this impairment of neutrophils by heavy metals and lack of glutathione decreases the
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body’s ability to combat viruses, some of which cause inflammatory damage to heart and brain. Samplings of
immune data reveal that most of these autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) children have atypical elevations of
antibodies against otherwise common pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and/or Human
Herpes Virus 6 (EBV, CMV, HHV-6), and in some 30%, elevated anti-measles antibodies indicative of chronic
infection from measles vaccine—Kawashima H, Mori T, Kashiwagi Y, Takekuma K, Hoshika A, Wakefield A;
Department of Paediatrics, Tokyo Medical University, Japan. “Of the 160 autistic children we looked at, only
five did not have bowel disease”—Wakefield.
HHV-6 induces synthesis of a broad range of host cell proteins, including interferon alpha, CD4, interleukin1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF(a)]. Additionally, HHV-6 kills Natural Killer Cells. Human
herpesvirus-6, the etiologic (causative) agent of roseola, is ubiquitous, establishes latency in the host, and
can infect a variety of immunocompetent cells, with CD4+ T-lymphocytes being the targets in which it
replicates most efficiently, and HHV-6 has an “Immunosuppressive effect...on T-cell functions” such as
“suppression of interleukin-2 synthesis and cell proliferation.”
Carlos A. Pardo-Villamizar, M.D., at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland
said that, “Compared with normal control brains, the brains of the people with autism featured immune system
activation and inflammation in the brain. This ongoing inflammatory process was present in different areas of the
brain and produced by (immune system) cells known as microglia and astroglia”. HHV-6 and measles are known
inhabitants of brains. Hopkins researchers showed that the measles virus blocks the release of an important
chemical from monocytes, a type of white blood cell. The molecule, called Interleukin-12 (IL-12), is critical for
the activation of a part of the immune system called cell-mediated immunity (CMI). CMI is an important defense
mechanism against a variety of viruses and bacteria, as well as protozoa, one type of which causes malaria. In the
absence of IL-12 production by monocytes, CMI is greatly weakened. Various neurologic manifestations,
including convulsions and encephalitis, can occur during primary HHV-6 infection, or in immunocompromised
patients. HHV6 has been reported within oligodendrocytes and microglia, and focal HHV6—encephalitis has
been documented. It is considered causative in Chronic Fatigue syndrome (CFS) and is suspected of causing
multiple sclerosis.
Professor Marc Feldmann of the Imperial College, London predicted that drugs he helped develop to treat
rheumatoid arthritis may prove to be effective for many more medical conditions, including atherosclerosis. The
drugs, which block a cytokine known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), include infliximab, etanercept,
and adalimumab, which have shown a dramatic protective effect in patients afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis.
These agents have also shown to be of benefit for other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including
Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing Spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, they have
shown promise in the treatment of acute alcoholic hepatitis, a potentially fatal condition.
Cytokines such as TNF(a) are molecules released by immune cells to alert the immune system that the body is
under attack and to initiate a response against the infection. Recent evidence suggests that TNF-alpha regulates
synaptic function in the brain also. “In autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, we discovered that cytokines are
over-produced causing the immune system to fight itself, resulting in inflammation and tissue destruction,” Dr
Feldmann explained. “We further found that by blocking just one cytokine – tumor necrosis factor alpha –
we were able to block all the cytokines involved in the inflammation, with remarkable clinical results.”
Prescription drugs, like Enbrel, directly bind to TNF(a) and block its interaction with TNF cell-surface receptors.
Though these drugs do work, many studies have demonstrated significant clinical improvement in rheumatoid
arthritis patients with high-dose, fish-oil supplements (Kremer 2000) and other nutrients mentioned herein that
also inhibit TNF(a), without the side effects of the drugs.
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Dr Feldmann believes that similar drugs may have the potential to treat many other conditions, and is
currently researching their effect on atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, he explained, “is caused by a
chronic inflammatory response in the walls of the arteries, in large part, caused by an excessive immune
response to cholesterol”, or HHV6 and/or H. pylori, both of which have been identified in the plaque?
Aging (sic) results in an increase of inflammatory cytokines (destructive, cell-signaling chemicals) that
contribute to the progression of many degenerative diseases (Van der Meide et al. 1996; Licinio et al. 1999).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic autoimmune disorder in which excess levels of cytokines such as TNF(a),
interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1b [IL-1(b)], and/or interleukin-8 (IL-8) are known to cause or contribute to
the inflammatory syndrome (Deon et al. 2001). It is also true that the IgG molecule lacks a galactose molecule
at its end, allowing other lectins to bind to this site. The more such misshaped molecules, the more severe the
inflammation!
Chronic inflammation is also involved in diseases as diverse as atherosclerosis, cancer, heart valve dysfunction,
overweight, diabetes, congestive heart failure, digestive system diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease (Brouqui et al.
1994; Devaux et al. 1997; De Keyser et al. 1998). In aged people with multiple degenerative diseases, the
inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, is often sharply elevated, indicating the presence of an underlying
inflammatory disorder (Invitti 2002; Lee et al. 2002; Santoro et al. 2002; Sitzer et al. 2002). When a cytokine
blood profile is conducted on people in a weakened condition, an excess level of one or more of the inflammatory
cytokines, e.g., TNF(a), IL-6, IL-1(b), or IL-8, is usually found (Santoro et al. 2002).
Observe the likely scenario; heavy metals cause HHV-6 to be chronic, latent in the body and brain inducing the
body to set up an inflammatory response. One can seek only to control the inflammatory symptoms with the
suggested drugs, or he can eradicate the cause. However, inhibiting TNF(a) stops the damage while you
eliminate the heavy metals and the viruses. How much better it is to inhibit the cause of overactive
inflammation and enhance both mind and body function by replacing missing nutrients as suggested in this
paper (rather than resorting to drugs that only inhibit TNF(a).
John O’Leary, Ph.D., a world-class researcher and molecular biologist from Ireland, using state of the art
sequencing technology, showed how he had found measles virus in the gut of 96% of autistic children, compared
to 6.6% of normal children. This virus did not come from the natural disease; it came from the measles vaccine. In
addition, Dr. O’Leary found measles virus present in 75% of children with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s has
traditionally been an intestinal disease of adults, following years of dietary abuse. Its appearance in children is a
new event, and Dr. O’Leary’s work points to measles virus from vaccines as the likely cause. Additionally,
Candida, according to antibody studies done at the Atkins Center, is involved in more than 80 percent of all cases
of Crohn’s and Colitis. The Great Plains Laboratory reports Candida metabolites are elevated in about 75% of
people with autism, and additionally, about 40% have metabolites to Clostridia bacteria, in fact, gastrointestinal
disorders have been associated with a high level of clostridia in ASD children.
The Measles pathogenic (disease producing) power is derived from the fact that they can set up persistent
infections within various lymph tissues (that of the gut, for example, as shown by Wakefield) as well as within
circulating cells of the immune system. Wakefield found that controls had prevalence in the gut of HHV-6 DNA
similar to that of those with ulcerative colitis—86%! Virus infected monocytes (White Cells) travel freely
throughout the body, and have been shown to enter the brain, take up residence there, and secrete cytokines
(chemical messengers) toxic to brain tissue. They also serve as foci of infection. Interferon production is
stimulated by infection with a virus to protect the body from super infection by some other microorganism. In this
study, vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles vaccine caused a precipitous drop in the level of alphainterferon produced by lymphocytes. This decline persisted for one year following vaccination, at which time the
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experiment was terminated—Journal of Infectious Diseases. Thus, this study showed that measles vaccine
produced a significant long-term immune suppression. Similarly, the report in the British medical journal Lancet
confirmed that a significantly higher percentage of these children had received a DTP shot within 30 days of the
onset of polio compared to a control group of children without polio: 43 percent of polio victims compared to 28
percent of controls. The DTP vaccine suppresses the body’s ability to fight off the poliovirus. Thus, we have
evidence of long-term damage to the immune system from vaccines. Starting at about 4 months, this leads to the
infections, antibiotics, more infections, and more vaccines that often precede autism.
We now know that, in far too many cases, these live vaccine viruses escape the immune system and take up
residence in the body--for a lifetime. A recent autopsy study of elderly individuals found that 20% of the brains
contained live measles viruses and 45% of the other organs contained live measles viruses. Similar findings have
been described in autistic children and the measles virus is identical genetically to the one used in the vaccine.
Measles infection usually resolves itself over 1-2 weeks given good sanitation, water quality, and hygiene.
Treatment with vitamin A, as found in cod liver oil, has been known to be effective since its success was published
in the British Medical Journal in 1932. The measles virus can invade, infect, and inflame specific areas of the
brain’s central nervous system causing persistent viral infection and damage. There are three types of measlesrelated brain inflammation (encephalitis). First, there is an acute post-infectious type that occurs during or shortly
after the initial infection and is characterized by inflammation around blood vessels and loss of myelin (the
protective covering around neural cells). This type is thought to be due to autoimmune processes. A second form
of brain inflammation follows the acute infection and is called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This
type presents itself 1-10 years later as a persistent measles infection with many mutations inside the cells of the
cerebellum and spinal cord in people with competent, mature, immune systems. SSPE can be fatal because it
causes general destruction of brain tissue, leading to progressive dementia, seizures, and chronic neurological
disorders affecting coordination.
The final type of measles-related complication in brain inflammation is a progressive, infectious one in people
without competent immune systems, such as immunocompromised people or children with immune systems that
are still developing. This form manifests itself 1-6 months following measles infection. Common symptoms
include seizures, motor and sensory system deficits, and lethargy (fatigue) with the acute or sub-acute progression
of this third type of encephalitis. The symptoms are a result of brain tissue death caused by unrestricted viral
replication, which happens when immune function is decreased due to absence or immaturity. These symptoms of
measles virus infection in the brains of people without competent immune systems are too similar to autism to
ignore. Measles infects specific brain areas such as the frontal cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, substantia nigra,
locus ceruleus, raphe nuclei, hippocampus, amygdala, rhinal cortex, and cingulate gyrus where neurons have
specific CD46 or growth factor receptors. These are commonly damaged areas of the brain in autism.
Measles normally mutates only one third as fast as HIV, but shifts from magnesium to manganese cations in the
body can significantly enhance viral mutation rates by 6-10 fold. Vaccines that contain mercury theoretically drive
the mutation process higher, rendering immune systems less effective. Viral mutations can escape vaccine
protection and or drive measles-mutant strains in the body toward continued successful mutation (selenium
deficiencies, common in autistic children, also mutate viruses). Also, if there is too much iron, low zinc, and high
copper, this also mutates viruses. Such chronic measles infection can be treated with very high intakes of vitamins
A and C and glutathione, oral or injection, and antivirals discussed elsewhere herein.
Dr. Anju Usman, MD, was puzzled as to why antibiotics often failed to clear an intestinal/bladder infection. Her
studies revealed a colony of “coated” bacteria that had formed into a "biofilm" and uncoated themselves, making
themselves resistant to immune attack and to antibiotics at levels 100-1000 times the normal minimal-lethal dose.
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Further research showed that this mucus film was maintained by a high content of calcium, magnesium, and iron.
When these minerals were removed by sodium EDTA chelation, or when she withheld all supplementation of
these nutrients for two months during her medical treatment, the bacterial infection was readily overcome.
Fibrinogen induces biofilm formation by Streptococcus suis and enhances its antibiotic resistance - Grignon L,
Grenier D. Use of Nattokinase and Lumbrokinase has proven effective in exposing these colonies. Lactoferrin
supplementation also binds iron and disbands biofilm - forcing expression of outer membrane proteins on the
bacteria so that the immune system can identify and attack the singular bacteria. In bladder infections, at least, the
biofilm is destroyed by D-mannose and by cranberry concentrate that contains D-mannose. Would not the use of
lactoferrin, Nattokinase/Lumbrokinase, and D-mannose be preferable to denying needed supplements of calcium
and magnesium? Use of probiotics with prebiotics assist in this mission and aid in keeping pathogens under
control.
Dr. Peta Cohen, MS, RD offers this thought: At an Autism One Conference in Chicago, one researcher presented
his proton analysis of brain tissue, attempting to verify the presence of mercury in the brains of autistic children,
and he couldn’t find it. He found evidence of activation of the microglia (a type of glial cell that acts as the first
and main form of active-immune defense in the central nervous system) as a consequence of toxic metals. So,
where are these metals? I’m suggesting they are in the biofilm, along with the bugs, in the gut. If the biofilm
wasn’t using toxic metals, along with common minerals, to build the biofilm, then why all of a sudden do I get
these huge dumps of metals on stool tests?
Ebola virus kills 4 out of 10 of its victims. However, in the presence of selenium supplementation the fatality rate
drops by over 80 percent! That is a persuasive demonstration of the anti-viral power of this essential mineral. A
similar phenomenon has been recognized and reported in AIDS. It is reasonable to say that selenium increases our
resistance to viral disease. What with the Nile virus, and others, supplement selenium. Another proven protocol:
Effecting a cure when a virus is the offending agent, and many times bringing about this change in the
short space of 24 hours, is a rewarding moment in medicine. Vitamin C treatment must be intensive to be
successful. Use veins when practical; otherwise, give vitamin C intramuscularly. Never give less than
350 mg/kg body weight. This must be repeated every hour for 6 to 12 times, depending upon clinical
improvement, then every two to four hours until the patient has recovered. Ice cubes held to the gluteal
muscle before and after injection will reduce or eliminate pain and induration. When treatment continues
for several days, the child can be placed on an ice cap between injections. When employing vitamin C
intravenously, it is best to use sodium ascorbate and the solution free of all additives except sodium
bisulfite. The dose of vitamin C using a syringe should range between 350 mg and 400 mg/kg body
weight. In older patients, or when very high doses are required, the vitamin can be added to 5 percent
dextrose in water, in saline solution or in Ringer’s solution. The concentration should be approximately 1
gm to 18 cc fluid. Bottle injections will need 1 gm calcium gluconate one to two times each day to
replace calcium ions removed by the high intravenous schedule. One quart of milk daily will suffice
when using the vitamin intramuscularly. In place of milk, one can substitute calcium gluconate tablets.
Supplemental vitamin C is always given by mouth. As a guide in determining the amount and frequency
of injections we recommend our Silver Nitrate-Urine test. This is done by placing ten drops of 5 percent
silver nitrate in a Wasserman tube and adding ten drops of urine. A color pattern will develop showing
white, beige, smoke gray, or one that looks like fine grain charcoal. Charcoal is the color needed, and the
test is performed at least every four hours. The test itself is read in one minute. These large doses of
ascorbic acid will also bring all body tissue back to saturation, which means that the white blood cells
will now be capable of destroying other pathogens that might be clouding the picture. Unless the white
blood cells are saturated with ascorbic acid, they are like soldiers without bullets. Research on this is now
under way at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine by McCall and Cooper. White cells ingest bacteria
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and in the process produce hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will combine with ascorbic acid to
produce a substance that is lethal to bacteria. I have seen diphtheria, hemolytic streptococcus, and
staphylococcus infections clear within hours following injections of ascorbic acid in a dose range of from
500 mg to 700 mg/kg body weight given intravenously and run in through a 20G needle as fast as the
patients cardiovascular system will allow.
In the earliest stages of infection, innate response (Th1) predominates, but later the lymphocytes (a
version of white cells) start to generate adaptive immune (Th2) responses. They then 'remember' the
pathogen, and mount more effective and rapid responses should the individual become reinfected with
the same pathogen at a later date. With this in mind, besides early innoculations with vaccines (prior to
maturation of the adaptive immune system), the routine use of innate immune suppressing drugs - called
anti-inflammatories, anti-pyretic, or anti-histamines for early infections is the major culprit in the
epidemic of chronic illness - Dr. Greg Blaney, MD.
Lymphocytes play an important role in survival from infection. We found in several cases of trichinosis
that the behavior of the lymphocytes was the real story of the changing blood picture and actually
determined the course of the disease. Wintrobe observed that the function of the lymphocytes was
stimulation of antibody formation, and that the lymphocytic response runs parallel with the recovery of
the patient. This build-up of antibodies appears directly proportional to the concentration of ascorbic acid
in all body tissue, and yet we give vaccines but pay no attention to the degree of tissue saturation of
ascorbic acid (or of vitamin A needed to fight the infection). Dr. Nossal of the Institute of Medical
Research, Melbourne, Australia, wonders about the mechanism by which lymphocytes, on meeting
antigens, decide to be turned on or off. He asks, “What physiological mechanism underlies the
discrimination between immunization and the induction of immunological tolerance?” We would
suggest that it is controlled by vitamin C, which in turn affects the negative charge that then influences
the response of the lymphocyte. Ginter of the Research Institute of Human Nutrition, Bratislava, offers
some evidence to this effect in his statement: “all reactions which are connected with vitamin C have
oxidation-reduction features. It is therefore probable that the biological function of vitamin C can be
located in the metabolic reactions which are connected with electron transfer.”
Vitamin A, also, is crucial to a very sophisticated bi-directional mechanism that takes place in the
digestive system and leads to immune tolerance across the entire gut lining. Immune tolerance is the
essence of good health. An intolerant immune system will lead to a wide range of illnesses, and the gut is
where many people first lose immune tolerance. Vitamin A (retinoic acid) is key to our ability to
consume a wide range of antigens (food) and yet not react adversely.
The killing power of ascorbic acid is not limited to just herpes simplex and the adenovirus. When proper
amounts are used it will destroy all virus organisms. We found measles to be a medical curiosity.
Specifically, we observe that vitamin C prophylactically, by mouth, was not protective (against the
measles virus) unless 1 gram was given every two hours around the clock. One gram given every four
hours intramuscularly was also protective. One gram every four hours would modify the attack of
measles, but not kill it. With our own children we kept the measles syndrome going off and on for 30
days by giving 1gm every two hours for two days, then off for two days. The disease was then stopped
by continuing 1 gm every two hours, by mouth, for four days. By 1950, we learned that we could kill the
measles virus in 24 hours by giving intramuscular injections in a dose range of 350 mg/kg body weight
every 2 hours. We also found that we could dry up chicken pox in the same time, but more dramatic
results were obtained by giving 400 mg/kg body weight intravenously. Two to three injections in 24
hours were all that was required. We published these results in 1951. Recently, we cured a man weighing
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85 kg in four days taking 30 gm each day by mouth. In conclusion, the killing power of ascorbic acid (as
sodium ascorbate) on virus bodies has been demonstrated by me in hundreds of cases, many of which
were treated in our hospital with nothing but vitamin C. We have published some 28 papers on this
matter. - Dr. Frederick Robert Klenner, MD. Vitamin A is also vital in fighting measles.
Infants and children often run a fever and show other signs of acute inflammation after receiving multiple
vaccinations. Fever is generally considered harmful by physicians, and is treated with antipyretics as it may
lead to febrile seizures, stupor, dehydration, increased breathing, discomfort, and tachycardia. Home use of
antipyretics upon the first signs of a fever is also common. This approach has lead to the ubiquitous use of
aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol™), nimesulide, and ibuprofen, which control temperature by inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis in the hypothalamus.
Fever is metabolically expensive: every degree C rise in temperature increases the metabolic rate
approximately 10%. It stands to reason that a defense mechanism that is so costly in terms of energy
must be important. Numerous studies have shown that fever enhances the immune response by
increasing mobility and activity of white cells (doubles production and activity of leukocytes),
stimulating the production of interferon, causing the activation of T-lymphocytes, and indirectly
reducing plasma iron concentrations. Antiviral and antibacterial properties of interferon are also
increased at febrile temperatures. A decreased morbidity and mortality rate has been associated with
fever in a variety of infections. Newborn animals infected with a variety of viruses have a higher
survival rate when febrile. The use of antipyretics to suppress fever results in an increased mortality rate
in bacterially infected rabbits, and an increase in influenza virus production in ferrets. There is anecdotal
evidence that children with autism show behavioral improvement when febrile (D. Odell, personal
communications, 2003). This is likely because the fever suppresses a chronic viral infection. There is a
reason for 98.6 F. body temperature. Laboratories know that Candida and Strep thrive at lower body
temperatures! If your well child consistently registers less than 98.6 F (37.0 C) support the thyroid.
Never use drugs to lower fever unless all else fails, and then only if the fever is causing the child a
serious problem like above 103 F (no harm will occur normally until the fever is above 105.2 F). Rather,
use a dip in luke-warm water, a spray of water on a covering towel, a serving of strawberries, or a pad
soaked in alcohol placed over the tummy. Don’t chill the child. Force water. Vitamin E seems to reduce
prostaglandin E2, which results in an enhancement of T-helper 1 cytokines. If he is lethargic, showing
dehydration, then obtain help.
In a study in Afghanistan, 200 children with measles were divided into two groups. The study revealed
that children receiving the antipyretics (aspirin) had prolonged illness with more diarrhea, ear infections,
and respiratory ailments, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and laryngitis, and significantly greater
mortality rates! This is what you are asking for when you break a fever.
These chronic viral infections apparently cause the body to sequester mercury and other heavy metals
according to clinical experience of Dr. Amy Yasko of Maine. She finds that by reducing the viral load
and then chelating, even after chelation with DMSA and DMPS showed no remaining mercury, mercury
comes pouring out again, and dramatic improvement is noted in the children!
Initial Autism Research Findings at Harvard-Massachusetts General show that patients undergoing
endoscopic procedure all had GI symptoms of pain or diarrhea:
Endoscopy Findings:
• Esophagitis in 23 out of 111 (20%)
• Gastritis in 14 out of 111 (12%); 4 had Helicobacter pylori
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•
•
Duodenitis in 11 out of 111 (10%); 2 had Celiac Sprue (According to Dr. Buie, all children with
ASD should get a blood test for Celiac Sprue before going on a GF diet. Once they’re on the
diet, those antibodies are gone.)
Eosinophilic Inflammation in five out of 111 (5%)
Pancreatic Function Testing: Duodenal collection of pancreatic enzymes:
• 10 out of 90 (11%) had low enzyme activity (This is a very high finding compared to the general
population.)
• Two out of these 10 (20%) had total pancreatic insufficiency, five with multiple enzyme defects
Carbohydrate Digestion:
• Lactase deficiency was found in 55% of ASD children tested, especially in black children
• Combined deficiency of disaccharides enzymes was found in 15%
• Enzyme assays correlate well with hydrogen breath tests
Another study showed that 58% of the examined children had disaccharidase/glucoamylase enzyme
activities below the normal range. Carbohydrate malabsorption may result in gaseousness with crampy
abdominal pain and may be the cause of chronic loose stools. The most frequent finding was a low
lactase activity in 14 of the 21 children with pathologic disaccharidase results. All of the 21 children
with low enzyme activities had loose stools and/or gaseousness. Do supplement digestive enzymes!
Colonoscopy Findings:
• Colitis was found in 11 of 89 patients (12%), none with features of Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s
• Histologic (biopsy reviewed) lymphoid nodular hyperplasia was found in 15 of 89 patients
(16%)
• Eosinophilic inflammation was found in 13 of 89 patients (14%); cause or significance is unclear
Dr. Tim Buie, lead researcher, states that more than half of these children had treatable gastrointestinal
problems that ranged from moderate to severe including esophagitis, gastritis, and enterocolitis along
with the lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (measles in the gut).
Dr. Sudhir Gupta reports: “Complete Immunoglobulin E (IgE) deficiency was seen in 10% of the
patients. Almost 20% of the patients had low IgA, and 8% of them had a complete lack of it, which is
quite high compared to the general population (1 in 700-1,000). About 25% of the subjects had IgG
subclass deficiency. (Positive IgG antibodies to gluten were found in 100% of IgA-deficient persons
with biopsy proven celiac disease but who were negative by the endomysial antibody test. These IgG
antibodies are thought to increase intestinal permeability-WSL). About 25% of the patients had a
deficiency of various subsets of lymphocytes (e.g., CD3, CD4, and CD8 Killer T-Cells). In fact, almost
40% of these autistic children had a deficiency in Natural Killer Cells (Th1 suppressed). In general, the
cytokines IL-2 and alpha-interferon are increased, while IL-1 is normal.” IgG anti-brain autoantibodies
were present in 27% with ASD, and with 2% from healthy children. IgM autoantibodies to the myelin
were present in 36% with ASD compared with 0% of controls. The presence of these antibodies raises
the possibility that autoimmunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of language and social developmental
abnormalities in a subset of children with these disorders - Serum autoantibodies to brain in LandauKleffner variant, autism, and other neurologic disorders. J Pediatr 1999 May; 134(5): 607-13.
A Cornell researcher, Rodney Dietert, professor of immunotoxicology at Cornell’s College of
Veterinary Medicine, and Janice Dietert, of Performance Plus Consulting in Lansing, N.Y., have
conducted the first comprehensive review of later-life diseases that develop in people who were exposed
27
to environmental toxins or drugs either in the womb or as infants. They have found that most of the
diseases have two things in common: They involve an imbalanced immune system and exaggerated
inflammatory reactions (at the cellular level).
In a peer-reviewed article on developmental immunotoxicity (DIT), published in a recent issue of
Current Medicinal Chemistry, the Dieterts found that almost all the chronic diseases that are associated
with DIT share the same type of immunological damage.
The diseases linked to DIT include asthma, allergy, suppressed responses to vaccines, increased
susceptibility to infections, childhood neurobehavioral conditions, autoimmunity, cancer, cerebral palsy,
atherosclerosis, hypertension, and male sterility.
Toxins that are known to cause developmental immune problems in fetuses and neonates, according to the
Dieterts, include herbicides, pesticides, alcohol, heavy metals, maternal smoking, antibiotics, diesel exhaust, drugs
of abuse, and PCBs. Antidotes to DIT, the researchers note, could come from a variety of sources, including herbal
and fungal chemicals -- from mushrooms to clover -- which appear to have promise.
Two immune processes -- T-helper (Th) cell balances and dendritic cell maturation -- are both
compromised in ways that disrupt the regulation of inflammatory cell function, which leads to
exaggerated inflammatory responses. “Most therapeutic approaches have looked at specific disease
outcomes from DIT, rather than focusing on the underlying immune dysfunction that creates the
increased disease risk,” said Robert Dietert. “Instead, we looked at the common immune dysfunction
that is related to a host of diseases.”
Knowing the most common immune dysfunction patterns from DIT allows researchers to consider more
seriously those “medicinals with the capacity to restore inflammatory cell regulation, promote
dendritic cell maturation, and restore desirable Th balance that would be the most likely
candidates to combat the problems resulting from DIT.”
Autism may involve autoimmunity to brain matter. Autistic children, but not normal children, had
antibodies to caudate nucleus (49% positive sera), cerebral cortex (18% positive sera), and cerebellum
(9% positive sera). Brain stem and hippocampus were negative--Neuroscience Letters Volume 355,
Issues 1-2, 23 January 2004, Pages 53-56, Vijendra Singh, et al.
It is vital to note that the production of interleukin-4 in the spleen of zinc-deficient mice is depressed,
leading to depressed levels of IgE, IgG1, and eosinophils; and that the function of T-cells and antigenpresenting cells is impaired by zinc deficiency as well as by energy restriction. Children with clinical or
subclinical vitamin A deficiency also have depressed IgG responses to tetanus toxoid compared with
children supplemented with vitamin A. The results of more than three decades of work indicate that zinc
deficiency rapidly diminishes antibody and cell-mediated responses. The moderate deficiencies in zinc
noted in sickle cell anemia, renal disease, chronic gastrointestinal disorders and Acrodermatitis
Enteropathica; subjects with human immunodeficiency virus; children with diarrhea; and the
malabsorption of autistic and elderly persons can greatly alter host defense systems leading to increases
in opportunistic infections and mortality rates. This is likely because adequate zinc is needed to
release vitamin A from the liver. Corticosteriods (hyrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.) will
increase the rate of vitamin A transport from the liver; however, they will result in elevated serum levels
and depletion of vitamin A reserves. Both vitamin A and zinc deficiency are widespread among our
children and parents. These deficiencies have very negative aspects on the immune function.
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Dr. Singh further states: “I firmly believe that up to eighty percent (and possibly all) cases of autism are
caused by an abnormal immune reaction, commonly known as autoimmunity. The autoimmune process
in autism results from a complex interaction between the immune system and the nervous system.
“Antibodies to measles (rubeola) (MV) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) are elevated, which is a sign
of a present infection, past infection, or a reaction to the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The
HHV-6 and measles viruses are etiologically linked to autism because they are related to brain
autoantibodies and demyelinating diseases.
“Recently, I conducted a study of measles virus (MV) and HHV-6 in autism.... This study showed two
things in particular: first, that the virus antibody levels in the blood of autistic children were much
higher when compared to normal children; and secondly, the elevated virus antibody levels were
associated with the brain autoantibody titer. Interestingly, the viral antibody and brain autoantibody
association was particularly true of MV antibody and Myelin-Basic Protein (MBP) autoantibody (i.e.,
90 percent of autistic children showed this association). This observation led me to hypothesize that a
measles virus-induced autoimmune (sic) response is a causal factor in autism, whereas HHV-6, via coinfection, may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disorder. Although as yet unproven, I think it is
an excellent working hypothesis to explain autism, and it may also help us understand why some
children show autistic regression after the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization.”
At DAN! 2002 Dr. Singh stated, “We measured antibodies to the measles, mumps, rubella, CMV, and
human herpesvirus-6 viruses and to our surprise, we found that the antibody level of only the measles
virus, but not the other viruses tested was significantly higher in autistic children than in the normal
children. In addition we found an interesting correlation between measles antibody and brain
autoimmunity, which was marked by Myelin Basic Protein Autoantibodies. The two immune markers
correlated in greater than 90% of autistic children, suggesting a causal link of measles virus with
autoimmunity (sic) in autism”. The higher than normal antibody level to the measles virus could be the
sign of a present infection, past infection, or an immune reaction to the MMR Vaccine. He added that
further study showed a greater than 90% correlation between MMR antibody and MBP autoantibody.
“There is enormous potential for restoring brain function in autistic children and adults through
immunology.... The goal of therapy should be to normalize or reconstitute the immune response instead
of inducing immune suppression or stimulation. This will maintain a balance within the normal immune
response, avoiding major fluctuations of overt immune activity which could be detrimental to the
patient.” - Excerpts from Autism, Autoimmunity, and Immunotherapy: a Commentary by Vijendra K.
Singh, Ph.D. Department of Biology & Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan Scientific
Board Member, Autism Autoimmunity Project.
Dr. Singh indicated that two cytokines or immune activation markers, Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and
Interferon Gamma (IFN-g), play a very important role in causation of autoimmune disease, that is, they
initiate an autoimmune reaction via induction (activation) of Th-1 white blood cells. We have found that
these two cytokines are selectively elevated in autistic children, suggesting the induction of
autoimmunity via Th-1 cells in autism. Therefore, they should be measured as a sign of altered cellular
autoimmunity in patients with autism. It is interesting to note that autoantibodies (antibodies against
self) can be induced in older animals by giving them a vaccine! Younger animal will usually react to
a vaccination by producing beneficial antibodies, but do we not see the autoantibody reaction in this
subset of children called autistic?
29
It has been observed that immune suppression was most profound in infants with the highest antibody
responses and was associated with increased numbers of circulating CD8 T-cells, and with increased
plasma levels of soluble surface molecules and cellular products associated with immune activations.
This delayed immune response allows unwanted microbes to gain a solid foothold before the body
mounts its defenses to destroy them. Frighteningly, another study found in animals that this lack of
response of Killer Cells allowed usually harmless viruses to become more virulent creating serious
illness. Canadian doctors found this delayed response in individuals with nutritional deficiencies. When
provided proper dietary ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and fats for eight weeks, they tested higher on
helper T-cells and showed a better overall response to antigens (Chandra 1989). Chandra also showed
immune systems of “healthy” oldsters significantly responded to a multivitamin/mineral supplement.
Another study showed that both colostrum and human milk enhanced B-cell response, but formula did
not (Juto 1985).
Of interest is yet another study: They looked for T-cells that recognized these peptides in blood samples
from 12 patients and from 12 people who did not have multiple sclerosis. They found that the T-cell that
recognized one of the peptides -- corresponding to amino acids 95 to 117 of myelin proteolipid protein
(PLP) -- was at least four times more common in the patients’ blood. “There also were enough of these
T-cells to cause disease,” Trotter says. In contrast, the immune cells of multiple sclerosis patients do not
recognize myelin basic protein more frequently than those of people without MS.
A new view of multiple sclerosis may arise from the first extensive study of brain tissue from the
earliest hours during a bout of the disease. The results, published February 23, 2004, in the advance online edition of the Annals of Neurology, suggest that the earliest event is not, as previously believed, a
misguided immune system attack on a brain substance called myelin. Instead, the first event appears to
be the death of the brain cells that produce myelin (Oligodendrocytes), triggering a subsequent immune
system mop-up operation to clean up the cells and the myelin, said author John W. Prineas, MBBS, of
the University of Sydney in Australia.
It is well established that the symptoms of MS are caused by a breakdown of myelin, a fatty substance
that coats nerve cells and plays a crucial role in transmitting messages to the central nervous system.
However, it is unclear what triggers the breakdown of myelin. There are various theories, including an
autoimmune attack upon self, exposure to a virus in childhood, vitamin D deficiency, hormones – and
now, a buildup of iron in the brain because of poor blood-flow out of the brain. It is postulated that this
iron buildup is destroying the myelin.
It is of vital interest to note that the rubella and mumps virus can infect pancreatic islet cells and that the
infection can severely reduce levels of secreted insulin. Rubella and mumps disease have been strongly
associated with the development of Type I Diabetes. This study should be noted and remembered the
next time your friendly pediatrician tells you how important it is to give Hep B to your hours old baby:
Evidence of serious health consequences was recently confirmed in the Journal of Pediatrics in which
CRP levels were measured after vaccination. CRP, short for C-reactive protein, is a blood marker
indicating a heightened state of inflammation throughout the body. The study involved infants in a
neonatal intensive care unit who were given two or more vaccines on the same day (Criminal!). A
separate group of (preemie) infants were given one shot at a time, every three days. The vaccines
administered were DTaP, Hib, polio [IPV], hepatitis B, and Prevnar (pneumonia). The findings were
disturbing:
30
·
An abnormally elevated CRP occurred in 85 percent of infants who received simultaneous
vaccines and nearly 70 percent of infants who received the shots one at a time.
·
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and severe intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the
brain) also occurred in infants who received multiple vaccines at the same time.
·
Cardiorespiratory events (stopped breathing) occurred in 16 percent of all infants within 48
hours after receiving the vaccines.
·
Infants who received DTaP, Prevnar, and Hib as single injections experienced the largest number
of cardiorespiratory events overall. - REF: Pourcyrous, M., et al. Primary Immunization of Premature
Infants with Gestational Age <35 Weeks. J of Pediatrics, Vol. 51, Issue 2, Pages 167-172. August, 2007.
There are further concerns about elevated CRP levels. It was found in a study of 62 children who were
part of the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study that when infants and young children have an elevated CRP
level, they have an increased risk of developing Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in childhood. Chase HP, et al. Elevated C-reactive protein levels in the development of type 1 diabetes. Diabetes.
2004 Oct;53(10):2569-73.
It has been found that 85% of children with Type I diabetes have antibodies against the enzyme that converts
glutamic acid into GABA (the GAD enzyme-Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase) contributing to the excitotoxicity
of excess glutamate. These should avoid MSG/glutamic acid sources, and supplement magnesium, zinc, and
vitamins B1, B6, and B12, and work to correct other dietary shortfalls. In a newborn that developed seizures at 8days, GABA levels were only at 13 pmol/ml (picomoles per milliliter) before vitamin B6 injections. It increased
to 124 pmol/ml after vitamin B6 treatment. Children without any neurologic disease have a GABA level at 174
pmol/ml. In addition to supplements to enhance GABA, one can supplement GABA that is available at the
healthfood store. Excess GABA will lead to lethargy, and if long continued, Long-Term Potentiation will be
adversely affected, reducing memory enhancement, that is, learning capacity. Seizures induced by low GABA
levels appear to be pyridoxine dependent.
One Mom wrote: “I am a parent of two children with pyridoxine dependent seizures. I was very pleased
to see the inclusion of a trial of pyridoxine for unexplained seizures in children under two years old. Our
first child was initially diagnosed as having idiopathic, infantile spasms at six months of age. It was not
until eight years later when his sister developed infantile spasms at the age of six months that the correct
diagnosis was made in both children. (I had to suggest the trial of pyridoxine.) Our son had been seen at
several major medical centers across the United States but pyridoxine dependency was not considered
because the seizures were controlled by very high doses of Klonipin. Even though pyridoxine, 100
mg/day, completely stopped the seizures in our daughter within three days, increasing the dose to 150
mg/day (10 mg/kg/day) in two divided doses had an even more remarkable effect, especially in
improving her verbalization and alertness. She is now almost three years old and doing very well. Our
son has improved by several grade levels in the last two years on a similar dosing schedule.
“Both children started having seizures within a few weeks of my stopping breastfeeding. Since I had
continued my prenatal vitamins and large amounts of pyridoxine are secreted in breast milk, this
probably had a protective effect. Therefore, a history of severe seizures beginning soon after
breastfeeding stops may be worth noting. I have found about twenty families over the last several
months who have children with this disorder. Almost always, there have been significant delays in
getting to the correct diagnosis. Several families had already lost a child before having the correct
diagnosis made in a sibling later. Pyridoxine dependency is probably more common than previously
31
thought, and significant improvement may be seen with appropriate treatment even if the diagnosis is
delayed.”
One of the more recent studies on Type I diabetes was published in 2001 in the Lancet. This particular report
concerned a 31-year prospective study of over 10,000 children born in 1966 in northern Finland. The parents were
advised to give the children 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day. A year later, the researchers followed up with the
families to determine which children had been given the vitamin D), which had not, and if any of them had signs
of rickets (caused by severe vitamin D deficiency). The children who were regularly given the supplement during
their first year had approximately 80% less type I diabetes diagnosed over the next 31 years! In sharp contrast,
those children who showed signs of rickets at age one had 300% more type I diabetes diagnosed over the next 31
years. A study from Italy confirms the lack of vitamin D in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes. Moreover, it is
thought that vitamin D3 supplementation, in particular its activated form, 1,-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], may act as an immunomodulator facilitating the shift from a Th2 to a Th1 immune response,
according to scientists writing in the journal, Hormone and Metabolic Research.
Recent research by Marshall, et al, in sarcoidosis and Crohn’s shows that the active form of the vitamin D
hormone (1,25 D) is present in excessive levels relative to the inactive 25 D form in patients diagnosed with a
number of inflammatory illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. Evidence
suggests that this is due to unregulated production of 1,25 vitamin D by macrophages in the course of an excessive
Th1 immune response. Research indicates that this occurs in response to cell-wall-deficient (L-form) bacteria
parasitizing (taking up residence within) immune cells and other tissue. Testing for the active 1, 25 (OH) D must
be done with frozen urine samples by LabCorp who uses a more reliable, low cost test method. A high 1,25 (OH)
D to 25 (OH) D would suggest infection by L-form bacteria.
Usually, the inflammation caused by autoimmunity (sic) is treated by suppression of the immune system. This
seems to work, but with a high, price tag in side effects. It would surely be better to get at the cause. Researchers
from Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, and others, recently conducted a study of autoimmune
mice. These mice usually get fatal, autoimmune, kidney disease and die by age 2 months. Those receiving normal
dietary amounts of Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a plant compound from cruciferous vegetables, lived to the human
equivalent of 120 years! (This substance is found in Phyt-Aloe® by Mannatech, Inc.) It is probable that this effect is
due to the modulation of the process of methylation by the I3C. Methylation decreases with age, is disrupted by
autoimmunity, and I3C enhances this life-sustaining process. These cruciferous vegetables also greatly enhance
production of Glutathione and Glutathione Peroxidase that strengthen the immune function and the detoxification
(cleansing) capabilities of the body. Indole-3-carbinol is important in normalizing chemically sensitive people, for
the food and chemicals these days are high in pseudoestrogen compounds and dioxin. The antidote for dioxin
(TCDD) is indole-3 carbinol. This might help normalized some children’s behavior. “My research has shown that
the chief therapeutic intervention to prevent weight gain (regardless of age) is the anti-inflammatory diet. I have
observed significant weight loss in thousands of individuals who follow the simple formula of avoiding foods that
are pro-inflammatory and choosing in their place foods with anti-inflammatory properties.” - Dr Nicholas
Perricone, MD.
Reed Warren, et al, mention how the IgA findings relate to infections and report a fascinating double
susceptibility in that six of eight autistic kids with low IgA levels also had null alleles of the
complement C4b: “...IgA is also important in protection against pathogenic infections and participates in
the clearance of pathogens via the alternative “complement” pathway. C4 proteins [e.g., from the C4a
and C4b genes] are involved in the other “complement” pathway, the classical complement pathway.
Therefore, it is interesting that of the eight autistic subjects with decreased IgA levels, all but two also
had a C4b null allele suggesting that, in these patients, both pathways of complement activation [and
response to infections] are probably operating at less than optimal level.”
32
“If they are vitamin A deficient, are they producing secretory IgA? Many of these children have had
recurrent gastrointestinal and/or respiratory infections and otitis media beginning at 15-18 months.
Adequate vitamin A is needed to produce secretory IgA and to heal ciliated membranes, including those
that secrete IgA. To replace your mucous secreting cells, you need vitamin A. To create secretory IgA,
you need those cells healthy and these children need vitamin A to rebuild retinoid receptors associated
with G-protein all over the body” - Dr. Mary Megson, MD.
A test of thirty-six children revealed grade I or II reflux esophagitis in 25 (69.4%) (vaccine induced?),
chronic gastritis in 15 (42%), and chronic duodenitis in 24 (67%). Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive
enzyme activity was reported in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality found in
pancreatic function. Seventy-five percent of the autistic children had an increased pancreatico-biliary
fluid output after intravenous administration of Secretin (indicating hypersensitivity of the pancreas) Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 1999 Nov;135(5):559-63.
Children with autism produce higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (a localized, protective
reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection, characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and
sometimes loss of function.) than children without autism. A lack of sleep markedly increases
inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, with an average of 40-60% increase in men and women. Men
observed a 20-30% increase in TNF(a) also.
During the progression of Mg deficiency in a rodent model, dramatic increases of inflammatory
cytokines were observed particularly in interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor
(TNF). (In addition to attacking tumor cells selectively, TNF is active against virus-infected cells.
Excess TNF is known to reduce vascular blood flow, increase oxidative stress, reduce glutathione levels,
increase bone resorption, suppress myelin formation, compete with insulin at receptor sites, damage
pancreatic-beta cells with aldehydes, and induce cell death.)
A landmark in our understanding of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pathogenesis came from studies done in
Berlin by Hans-Dieter Volk and his wife, Petra Reinke, who demonstrated that the most important
mediator that arouses the virus from latency is the elaboration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This
results in reactivation of CMV (a necessary step to its elimination).
An increased production of various inflammatory peptides--such as Substance P (SP), CGRP
(calcitonin-gene related peptide), and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) which increases nitric oxide--is
also observed in Mg-deficient rats. VIP and CGRP are potent vasodilators. This is caused by the release
of nitric oxide from the endothelium. Its release can cause hypotension. Substance P is elevated up to
threefold in the spinal fluid of those with fibromyalgia. This might be increasing the brain’s perception
of pain in fibromyalgia. Nevertheless, TNF and SP are not the enemy. It appears that the lack of
necessary nutrients, particularly Mg and enzymes, allows inflammation and creates the problem. These
“inflammatory” peptides are then produced to control the initial cause of inflammation, whether viral or
irritation, however, obese people produce more than seven times as much TNF from their adipose tissue
as do normal weight people. Additionally, levels of these inflammatory cytokines were 60% higher in
those who get no exercise. Children diagnosed with mental retardation and with autism have very high
percentages of their numbers with these inflammatory cytokines (90% excess VIP, 81% excess CGRP).
Our problem is to boost the immune system activity (primarily the Th-1, Natural Killer cells) while
controlling the pro-inflammatory activity (Ambrotose Complex is a proven modulator of the immune
function). Sadeghi, et. al., has demonstrated that coconut oil in combination with fish oil (preferably
cod-liver oil [CLO]) decreases levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor
33
(TNF(a)) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), while stimulating production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as
Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Interleukin-10 has been approved for treating IBD, but it is difficult and
expensive to produce. DHA fraction of fish oil is the best-documented supplement to suppress TNF-a,
IL-6, IL-1(b), and IL-8 (Jeyarajah et al. 1999; James et al. 2000; Watanabe et al. 2000; Yano et al.
2000). A study on healthy humans and those with rheumatoid disease shows that fish oil suppresses
these dangerous cytokines by up to 90% (James et al. 2000). DHA is essential to memory and to retinal
function, and should be favored over EPA in our supplements.
Dr. Weston Price observed that a few drops of CLO with a few drops of Butter oil under the tongue revived the
ill, but singly they did not! We now know the butter oil is rich in vitamin K2, and that the three nutrients are
essential to the handling of calcium. Lauric acid of butter, coconut oil, and Mother’s milk improves the function
of the Omega-6 pathway, and enables the fatty acids to accumulate in the tissues where the prostaglandins are
formed. Vitamin A supplementation in patients with low vitamin A levels resulted in increased interleukin-10
(IL-10) and decreased TNF(a) levels. Additionally, others tested CLO and measured a 12% reduction of
platelet aggregation, improving circulation. In a small series, Lee et al. tested the hypothesis that because
nitrous oxide (NO) has pro-inflammatory effects on bronchial epithelial cells, supplemental iron, an inhibitor of
NO synthase, may reduce the cough associated with the use of ACE inhibitors. Patients treated with iron, but
not those with placebo, had significant reductions in cough scores.
Autistic children have been shown to exhibit many anomalies in cell-mediated immunity, including
abnormal T-cell activation (Warren et al, 1995), decreased relative numbers of helper-inducer
lymphocytes, and a lower helper-suppressor ratio. (Denney et al, 1996) These last 2 measures were
inversely correlated with severity of autistic symptoms. Cytokines can be reduced by long-chain (n-3)
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin A, making cod-liver oil a good choice. This, in turn,
results in reduction of the severity of certain autoimmune, inflammatory, and atherosclerotic diseases,
and reduces cytokine-induced anorexia (loss of appetite). Autoimmune diseases associated with vitamin
A deficiency include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, Lyme disease, systemic lupus, and insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus.
Vitamin A is crucial to a very sophisticated bi-directional mechanism that takes place in the digestive system and
leads to immune tolerance across the entire gut lining. Immune tolerance is the essence of good health. An
intolerant immune system will lead to a wide range of illnesses, and the gut is where many people first lose
immune tolerance. Vitamin A (retinoic acid) is key to our ability to consume a wide range of antigens (food) and
yet not react adversely.
Eskimos, Irish, and Northern European Seacoast dwellers who subsist largely upon fish have lost the Delta-5 and 6 Desaturase enzymes! Thus, if removed from their high-fish diets, their prostaglandins are in disarray for want of
these enzymes necessary to conversion of Omega-6 oils. Could this not be a strong contributing cause to the fact
that Autism is at its highest rates among the Northern Europeans and Irish? In other peoples, stress, a vitamindeficient, high-grain (carbohydrate) diet, and trans-fatty acids shut down Delta-6 Desaturase! Linoleic acid also
decreases the body’s conversion of alpha-linolenic acid to EPA. However, the Delta-6-desaturase has a higher
affinity for a-linolenic acid than it has for linoleic acid. This is known as Competitive Inhibition. Insulin resistance
in adult-onset diabetes is associated with fewer membrane, long-chain, unsaturated fatty acids due to this impaired
desaturase and elongase enzyme function.
Steven Maier, PhD, (Neal Miller Lecture, APA 2001) told how he can disrupt learning and memory in
rats by injecting bacteria into rats’ digestive tracts or by injecting interleukin-1 into their hippocampus.
This infection triggers a nonspecific immune response often called the “sickness” response, because it
triggers a series of physiological and behavioral changes, including fever, changes in liver metabolism,
34
reduced food and water intake, reduced sexual activity, reduced exploration, and increased anxiety. It
also activates a classic, stress response releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and pro-inflammatory
cytokines, which include interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Immune cells
called macrophages, which are the first on the scene of any infection, create these molecules, and
experiments showed that they act inside the brain to trigger the sickness response. It is of interest to note
that cadmium stops healthy macrophages from gobbling up bacteria, leaving you more vulnerable to
infections; whereas, viruses cause the body to retain heavy metals, particularly mercury.
Maier also showed that high levels of stress alone could produce these same immune responses and
make you sick! Excess cortisol has been shown to produce hypertension, poor wound healing, bone loss,
muscle wasting, thin skin, and sleep fragmentation. High cortisol, induced by stress, causes both insulin
resistance and thyroid hormone resistance, which increases the estrogen burden! Unfermented soy
contributes a high estrogen input as well. “Dysbiosis and poor digestion prevents the body from
eliminating unnecessary estrogen. Excess estrogen binds the thyroid transport proteins so the thyroid
hormones cannot get to the cells causing hypothyroid symptoms.” - Dr Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC,
MS. Iodine disarms estrogen and reduces your cancer risk! This also helps restore an older man’s
testosterone/estrogen balance, preventing many symptoms including big boobs! Cortisol is a killer of
brain cells, especially in the hippocampus, affecting memory adversely; but it also drains your immune
function and makes you depressed (excess cortisol suppresses cellular immune responses and destroys
immature T-cells, shifting to Th2 dominance)! Chronic stress, such as these children (and you Moms)
suffer, increases behavioral, biochemical, hormonal, physiological, and psychological responses and
puts any excess fat on your middle (visceral fat, the most dangerous kind)!
Additionally, isolation without social support also raises cortisol. Moms, take time to relax and socialize! Do a
daily relaxation-meditation exercise. Take a vigorous 20-minute walk in the sun, bring the child; he needs the
exercise and the sun as much as you. He will eat and sleep better, as will you. You might want to consider
Rhodiola Rosea, an herbal adaptogen that enhances energy (burns calories) and mental functions, and take 200
to 400 mcg of chromium (not picolinate) that reduces Cortisol by 47%. Tests with vitamin C (1000-3000
mg/day) showed significant lowering of cortisol and blood pressure after physical and psychological stress.
Three mg of melatonin before bedtime reduces visceral fat.
7-Keto DHEA was shown also to reduce diastolic blood pressure, increase neutrophils, the first white blood
cells to respond to infection; and it counteracted the effect of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol. When mice with
compromised immune function were subjected to mild stress for one month, a long time in a mouse’s life, their
white blood cells and thyroid hormones were decreased, however, when they given 7-Keto DHEA at 15 mg/kg
their blood cells proliferated and Natural Killer Cell activity was dramatically enhanced. Thyroid levels
returned to normal. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto does not affect sex hormone levels. Life Extension Foundation has a
combined supplement of DHEA and 7-keto (DHEA Complete).
When cellular immune function (Th1) is decreased, antibodies are greatly increased. Conversely, when
cellular immune function is restored, antibodies decrease. The pattern of antibody response also will
vary as the antigen load changes qualitatively and quantitatively. I understand this to mean that high
antibodies to an antigen indicate a present, heavy load of that infectious agent. (Low lymphocytes and
high monocytes may be similarly indicative of chronic infection/inflammation.)
Intractable childhood epilepsy is associated with low blood values of IgG-2 and IgG-4; replacement
therapy may lead to remission of symptoms. IgG-4 may also be low in some children with febrile
convulsions. The antiseizure drug carbamazepine (TegretolTM) may cause a reduction in IgG-2 while
phenytoin (DilantinTM) may be associated with decreases in IgA, IgG-3, and IgG-4. Anti-IgA antibodies
35
have been detected in epileptic patients with low serum IgA concentrations. In children with these
abnormal antibody patterns, selenium (Se) supplementation at a dose of 10-mcg/kg bodyweight for six
months significantly increased IgG-2 and IgG-4 levels and reduced the number of infections. Low blood
values of these two immunoglobulin antibodies are associated with intractable seizures. Selenium and
vitamin E supplementation have overcome intractable seizures that were resistant to drugs. Under
normal conditions, a Se intake of less than 1,000 µg/day (or 15 µg/Kg bodyweight) does not cause
toxicity. People in parts of China, the US, Venezuela, and Greenland have ingested Se at this level for
their entire lives without ill effects.
Both selenium and vitamin E deficiencies are known to independently stimulate the formation of
antibodies. Studies have suggested that Se provided in certain forms can neutralize carcinogens and
heavy metals, enhance thyroid and immune system function, prevent harmful mutation of viruses,
favorably alter gene (including p53) expression, inhibit tumor cell metabolism and neo-angiogenesis
(blood vessel development around tumors), and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death). Other
symptoms of selenium (Se) deficiency may be muscle aches, pains, and weakness, tender thighs, and
discomfort in walking. There may be skin problems and infertility. Children may not grow properly. Se
appears to be influential in the brain, and several studies that indicate low Se levels are associated with
cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, intolerance, and hostility. These conditions can be alleviated
in individuals with low baseline Se levels by Se supplementation. Recent studies suggest that
selenoprotein P, selenoprotein W75, and selenoprotein M76 have important roles in the brain. The vital
need for selenium in the brain is indicated in that it hoards the available selenium when it is lacking. Se
forms selenides with all metals, and detoxifies mercury, cadmium, lead, silver, thallium, and arsenic.
This effect can be enhanced by vitamin E. New Zealand, Finland, Serbia, and certain counties in China
have the lowest selenium in the world. The Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast United states have low
levels in the soil. Selenium levels plummet after surgery, injury, infection, blood loss, and with
advancing age (Am Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct 1979). A lack of selenium induces T3 deficient
hypothyroidism. Fish and wheat are the richest sources of selenium. Though fish is high in selenium,
taking 50-mcg selenium with a fish meal ensures binding of the mercury.
Human populations exposed environmentally to arsenic have a high incidence of bladder, kidney, liver, and skin
cancer (Kitchin, 2001). One study showed that those with Type 2 diabetes had 26% higher levels of arsenic than
those who were free of the disease. Those with the highest levels of arsenic were four times more likely to have
the disease than those who had the lowest levels of arsenic. Mothers often ask where the high arsenic levels found
in their children come from. It can come from playgrounds where wood was treated with arsenic that has now
contaminated the sand in the sandbox, from the decking around your house, plastic playpen padding, wool rug and
underlays, but largely, it may come from your drinking water. Many waters have significant amounts of arsenic.
Ask your agency for a lab report on water content. Arsenic exposure in mice suppressed the IgM and IgG
antibody–forming cell response, inhibited antigen driven T-cell proliferation and macrophage activity, decreased
CD4þ splenic cell number, and suppressed contact hypersensitivity responses (Burns and Munson, 1993;
Patterson et al., 2004; Sikorski et al., 1989). In other words, it destroys the normal immune response. One possible
mechanism for enhanced tumorigenesis in arsenic-exposed populations is that damage to the immune system
impairs the responses to transformed cells (Andres, 2005). In fact, inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation in
response to phytohemaglutinin (PHA – a lectin found in legumes) stimulation has been reported in adult human
populations exposed to arsenic contaminated drinking water. Now, Soto-Pena et al. (2006) demonstrated that
proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to PHA was significantly decreased in association
with an increase in arsenic concentration in urine of children 6–10 years of age exposed chronically to arsenic.
Release of interleukin-2 (a T-cell growth factor) from these cells was also significantly suppressed. Studies that
36
demonstrate significant immune suppression in children exposed to environmentally relevant levels of a toxicant
are not a common occurrence, so this case is particularly notable.
The antibody response to diphtheria toxoid decreased at age 18 months by 24% for each doubling of the
cumulative PCB exposure at the time of examination. At 2-years of age, 21% of children had diphtheria toxoid
antibody concentrations below the limit for long-term protection. The Heilmann study suggests that children
exposed to PCBs in utero or soon after birth are at greater risk of infection, and in fact, studies have shown an
increased frequency of childhood infections in children who have been exposed to PCBs and other organochlorine
pollutants via their mother’s contaminated diet (Dallaire et al., 2006; Dewailly et al., 2000; Nagayama et al.,1998;
Weisglas-Kuperus et al., 2000). Similar studies with cigarette-smoking mothers and in animals with toxins of
many kinds show suppression of the immune function in offspring.
Additionally, in workers exposed to fluorine, those with subclinical hypothyrosis [reduced triiodothyronine (T3) in 51%] had immune alterations that were more evident. T-lymphocytes count rose,
but their functional activity declined, indicating impaired cooperation of immunocytes as a result of
imperfect control under low concentrations of T3 (Balabolkin, 1995). Some convert T3 into the inactive
‘reverse T3’, and thus have a relative deficiency of the active hormone (Wilson’s Syndrome). Their
immune system is driving with no brakes! Additionally, in absence of T3, a nerve fiber will not conduct
an impulse! Vitamin A is also needed to convert T4 to T3, making this abstract of interest:
Vitamin A deficiency increases inflammatory responses. Wiedermann U, Chen XJ,
Enerback L, Hanson LA, Kahu H, Dahlgren UI-Department of Clinical Immunology,
University of Goteborg, Sweden.
The authors studied the influence of vitamin A deficiency on immediate and delayed type
hypersensitivity as well as granulocyte-mediated inflammatory reactions in vitamin A
depleted and control rats. The number of circulating leucocytes was 43% higher in the
vitamin A deficient than in the control animals. The leucocytosis was a result of a general
increase of white blood cells and was not due to an increase in one particular type. The
ratio between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was unchanged. The vitamin A deficient rats had
a four times higher T-cell proliferative response and a two times higher interferongamma production in vitro than the control animals. In accordance, the DTH reaction was
consistently higher in the vitamin A deficient rats. The granulocyte dependent
inflammation, induced by olive oil injection, was also strongly enhanced in the vitamin A
deficient rats compared with the controls. In addition, the spontaneous release of nitric
oxide from the peritoneal phagocytes was five times higher in the vitamin A deficient
animals. The number of peritoneal mast cells was about one and a half times higher in the
vitamin A deficient than in the control animals. The density of IgE-receptors on the mast
cells, the IgE receptor occupancy, and the histamine release from the mast cells did not
differ between the groups, however. The vitamin A deficient, immunized rats displayed a
consistently stronger immediate skin reaction after intracutaneous antigen injection than
the immunized control rats, despite lower IgE antibody levels. The skin reaction, after
intracutaneous injection of histamine, was also significantly greater in the deficient
animals. Despite the stronger reaction to antigen and histamine, the passive cutaneous
anaphylaxis reaction was lower in the vitamin A deficient rats. In conclusion, the study
shows that vitamin A deficiency aggravates the clinical manifestations of inflammatory
reactions. Thus, vitamin A deficiency might lead to a higher risk of acquiring irreversible
tissue damage and disabling destruction. End of Abstract
37
A young medical intern at Harvard had a young man die in spite of his best efforts to save him. His
white blood cells were stippled with bizarre, angry-looking granules that had been defined much earlier
as “toxic” leukocytes. These indicated a widespread inflammatory condition. Could this not have been a
simple or an imbalance of fatty acids, or both? Be aware that being overweight contributes to systemwide inflammation, as fat cells give off substances that not only prmote more fat accumulation, but that
exacerbates inflammation. Make sure you are all getting enough vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty
acids, all present in cod-liver oil. Nevertheless, Dr Floyd H. Chilton, Ph.D., (Winning the War Within)
has shown in his research that you can’t affect inflammation by attempts to balance fatty acids alone.
You must reduce the amounts of carbohydrates typically consumed, especially those of high-glycemic
index. It is an excess of carbohydrates (especially the high-glycemic ones) that cause inflammation in
the first place by elevating insulin that imbalances the fatty acids. Request my paper on Glycemic Index
of Common Foods.
We have observed the chronic infections present and the effect upon them of various nutrients. This
abstract is so vital to the recovery from autism that I quote it in its entirety:
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Autism by Non-Invasively Measuring
Acetylcholine, Ã¢ -Amyloid (1-42), Al, Hg, and Viral and Bacterial Infection;
particularly CMV, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Safe and
Effective Treatment With Compatible and Effective Medication (including “Substance
Z”), and Selective Drug Uptake Enhancement Method.
Yoshiaki Omura, M.D., Sc.D., FACA, FICAE, FAAIM, FRSM
Director of Medical Research, Heart Disease Research Foundation; President, Intl
College of Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics; President, Japan Bi-Digital O-Ring Test
Medical Society; Adjunct Prof., Dept. of Community & Preventive Medicine, New York
Medical College; Prof., Dept. of Non-Orthodox Medicine, Ukrainian National Kiev
Medical Univ. (Correspondence: 800 Riverside Dr(8-1), NYC, 10032, Tel: (212) 7816262; Fax:(212) 923-2279)
ABSTRACT
Even when one can prevent or survive major causes of death, cardio-vascular diseases,
and cancer, once an individual manages to reach 80 years old, more than 20% of the
people over 80 develop Alzheimer’s Disease. Although there are some medications,
which can slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease, there is no reliable method of
reversing Alzheimer’s disease. Since old age population is increasing every year in
developed countries, expenses and burden of taking care of Alzheimer’s disease will
become astronomical. Similarly, the population of autism patients among children is also
increasing every year, and there is no reliable treatment for autism available. As a result,
these people become an additional burden for the families and society.
During the past 5 years, the author has been evaluating both Alzheimer’s patient and
Autism patient and found that they have a significantly similar abnormal findings in the
brain. The author often found the following to be common between Alzheimer’s and
Autism patients:
• Excessive deposit of metal such as Al and Hg, with or without Pb, in
Hippocampus & the rest of brain, particularly motor cortex
38
•
•
•
•
Acetylcholine is markedly reduced in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly
motor cortex
Ã¢-Amyloid (1-42) is markedly increased in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly
motor cortex
Strong Viral infection exists often due to CMV and HHV-6 in Hippocampus &
rest of brain, particularly motor cortex.
Bacterial Infection exists often due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis in Hippocampus & rest of brain, particularly motor cortex.
To remove excessive metals, Cilantro extract (made by Hayashibara Biochemical Lab of
Okayama, Japan), originally discovered for its chelating effects on metals such as Al, Hg,
and Pb is used. To enhance removal of heavy metals, and as a safe, natural, effective,
antiviral agent, a mixture of EPA 180mg and 120mg DHA (Omega–3 fatty acids), 4
times/day, was used for adults (a relatively low amount); however, for autistic children,
optimal dose is measured individually using Bi-Digital O-ring Test.
Selective Drug Uptake Method to the brain is performed either by stimulation of the brain
representation area at the 1st segment of the middle finger, either mechanically or by red spectral
light from LED. More than 95% of the excess metal deposit in hippocampus and rest of brain can
be removed using Cilantro and Selective Drug Uptake Enhancement to selectively deliver the
Cilantro to the brain within several hours. Once the major part of excessive deposit of metal is
removed from brain, Acetylcholine often increases 2 or 3X of the original, abnormally-reduced
amount without any other treatment. Within the past 2 years, the author discovered that the two
major causes of the increase in water insoluble Ã¢-Amyloid (1-42) is due to brain infection
(particularly hippocampus) of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The
author also succeeded in reducing, in a majority of the patients, Ã¢-Amyloid (1-42) to normal
level and in more than 70% of the patients not only stopped the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease
and Autism; but also often was able to successfully revert to normal condition by treating
Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis successfully if the patient was diagnosed
within 2 or 3 years.
Two years ago, the author found that the most common major cause of increase in Ã¢Amyloid (1- 42) in brain is Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the brain. In 2002, the
author found, in a woman patient, that he was able to reduce the amount of Ã¢-Amyloid
(1-42) from 12ng to 6ng by treating her Chlamydia trachomatis infection of more than
1500ng, but he could not reduce it any further. Upon further evaluation of the brain, the
author found extensive Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of 40 Ãg; and the shortterm memory deficiency could not be eliminated in this 30-year-old woman. In addition,
she had CMV infection and HHV-6, both of which were sensitive to mixture of 180mg of
EPA and 120mg of DHA, and she had a bacterial infection sensitive to Trimox
(Amoxicillin made by Bristol Meyers). When multiple mixed infections co-exist, ideally,
all the infections should be treated at the same time as it is often observed when only one
infection is treated, other bacterial or viral infections are often increased; however, in the
past it was often not possible due to the drug interactions when multiple drugs are given
at the same time. For example, for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, Azithromycin is
among the most effective antibiotics for Chlamydia trachomatis, but it is not compatible
with a mixture of EPA+DHA as well as Trimox, and therefore due to canceling effect.
Azithromycin cannot be used with these medications to treat multiple infections.
39
However, Doxycycline, which is also effective for Chlamydia trachomatis is compatible with a
mixture of EPA+DHA as well as Trimox. On the other hand, the most commonly used medication
for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is Isoniazide, often with additional Rifampin, but
Isoniazide is not compatible with a mixture of EPA+ DHA which we use as a safe and effective
anti-viral agent, and also not compatible with Trimox which is one of the broadest spectrum antibacterial agent. In addition, in order to get a good result, one has to continually use Isoniazide 2
times a day, for at least 1 or 2 years; but it often produces liver toxicity, and many people cannot
continue treatment full term. Even a small amount of alcohol, such as a 1/2 cup of beer, produces
liver damage, and the patient often feels completely exhausted. To solve this problem, the author
evaluated about 150 different traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal medicines made by
Tsumura Pharmaceutical Company of Japan, and one herbal medicine called Saikokeishito
(Tsumura Product No. 10) was found to have a more efficient anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis
effect, and up to now, has shown no significant side effects.
Saikokeishito was found to be compatible with a mixture of EPA+DHA and compatible
with Trimox, but it is not compatible with Doxycycline used to treat Chlamydia
trachomatis; because of this limitation, we could not simultaneously treat all the viruses
and bacteria including Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the
same time. The Indigo plant is known empirically to have beneficial effect on some of
Diabetic patients. According to the author’s clinical research, the most common cause of
Diabetes is CMV infection, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, or mixed infection of the
CMV and Chlamydia trachomatis. Since the author found that Indigo Plant is beneficial
for Diabetes only due to Chlamydia Trachomatis infection while it is not effective for
Diabetes due to CMV alone, Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratory extracted 9-major
components of Indigo Plant for the author to evaluate. All of the original 9-extracts were
toxic, and had no beneficial effects. However, after the author diluted all of 9-extracts
2X, 3X, and 4X, then the author found only one of 9 to be beneficial for Chlamydia
trachomatis infection. This substance, Indigo 9-1, is an effective form of one of the 9major components of Indigo plant that the author found to have an anti-Chlamydia
trachomatis effect.
Originally, when components were isolated by Dr. Fukuda and his associates of Hayashbara
Biochemical Laboratory of Okayama City, Japan, the author found that it has a definite antiChlamydia trachomatis effect, but unfortunately its effective duration was an average of one
hour and, therefore, we could not treat the patient effectively, as no patient wants to take
medicine 12 times a day. To solve this problem, when the author and Hayashibara Biochemical
researchers slightly modified original natural preparation of effective component to prolong the
duration, its effective duration was enhanced to an average of 6-8 hours; as a result, the author
found it had a most powerful anti-Chlamydia effect, but also, no known side effect. We named
this natural substance as “Substance Z”. “Substance Z” has additional advantages, namely, it is
compatible with mixture of EPA+DHA, it is compatible with Trimox, and it is compatible with
Saikokeishito. Thus, since 2002, it becomes possible to treat Mycobacterium tuberculosis and
Chlamydia trachomatis at the same time, along with other bacterial infections sensitive to
Trimox, and viral infection sensitive to the mixture of EPA+ DHA as an anti-viral agent. We
found that we could treat a patient with all these multiple infections, including viral infection
sensitive to mixture of EPA+DHA, bacterial infection sensitive to Trimox, Chlamydia
trachomatis sensitive to “Substance Z”, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis sensitive to
Saikokeishito (once optimal dose of each medication is determined for each individual patient)
40
all at the same time without the mutually canceling effect of drug interactions. In addition, we
use selective, drug-uptake enhancement, delivering drugs selectively to the pathological area of
the brain by stimulating an organ representation area of the brain on the first segment of the
middle fingers, or the brain representation area of the underside of the tongue, or the ear lobules
by either mechanical stimulation or red spectral light stimulation. As a result, we are now able
to significantly eliminate most of the infections within a few days, and to eliminate the above
listed abnormal findings in the brain.
In the normal brain, Ã¢-Amyloid (1-42) is less than 3ng, but when it increases above 4 or
5 ng often people develop short-term memory deficiency, and when its increases between
7 and 12ng it is considered to be early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Acetylcholine
normally should have at least 1500Ãg, but brain dysfunction began to appear, becoming
noticeable by others when it’s reduced below 500Ãg. In early stages of Alzheimer’s
disease, it goes down between 200 and 100Ãg, and in most of the advanced Alzheimer’s
patients, Acetylcholine is below 150-100Ãg. With the latest, effective, safe treatment
described above, when we eliminate most of the infections to practically zero, such as
Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are <l zg (=10-21g), short-term
memory deficiency will disappear particularly when Ã¢-Amyloid (1-42) become less
than 2 or 3 ng. However, in the advanced, old Alzheimer’s patient, when the Ã¢-Amyloid
is increased to 12 or 20ng for a period of more than 3 or 4 years, often neurons are
already damaged irreversibly. As a result, even when we succeed in lowering Ã¢Amyloid (1-42) to less than 2 or 3 ng, short-term memory failure cannot be reversed;
therefore it is most important to make early diagnosis and treat them as quickly as
possible.
Similarly, in Autism patients the problem usually started at the time of birth, but most of the
parents and physicians only recognize it when children reaches 1 1/2 or 2 years old, and thus it is
important to detect non-invasively above described abnormal biochemical changes and infections.
Ideally, they should be examined shortly after birth. In the case of Autism (unlike advanced
Alzheimer’s patient) often, it is possible to reverse partially and sometimes even significantly with
more than 3 or 4-year history. End of Abstract.
Fluoride is a scourge, and putting it in city water is a criminal act against the American people!
Therefore, we must take responsibility for our own health: Eat more foods high in iodine, calcium, and
vitamins C and D and supplement iodinc to reduce the absorption of fluoride by the body and to
promote the excretion of fluoride from the body to ensure better health for people in the high fluoride
regions.
Fluorides damage the GSH and SOD enzymes and act much like dioxin, which works via this enzyme
process to create reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. There were air/lung pathway effects, soil
contamination/food pathways into the gastrointestinal system, and ground and surface water pathways
into communities. These pathways for fluorides connected them with the CFS-like symptoms and
asthma seen in workers and communities. Asthma is directly connected to reduced GSH and SOD. The
workers had high levels of calcium that is indicative of fluoride exposure. They also had high retention
of metals and high porphyrin. Porphirine and porphyrins are diagnostic indicators of toxic-cell damage
effects from metals and chemicals.
Fluorides are pulled into the lymph nodes and the affinity of fluoride for calcium produces an insoluble
precipitate that is similar to the effects caused by the insoluble metals. The effect sets up TNF(a) and hyper41
oxygen (ROS) damage that locally lowers glutathione in the lymph cells. TNF(a) promotes viral RNA
replication. Increasing viral infection in the type-I macrophages promotes more TNF(a), and this is multiplied
by the repeating effect of cells in the lymph system. This activation of the T-cell helper-1 (Th1 - Natural-killer
cells) process also sets up a switch to T-cell helper-2 (Th2 - antibody) mode slowly as the macrophages stop
working and foreign-cell products accumulate in the tissues that trigger the Th2 mode.
The fluoride damage to the enzyme processes like glutathione (GSH), and others like it, set up factors
that result in retention of the lethal metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, nickel, and others. This
results in the appearance of persons with high-fluorine effects having heavy-metal poisoning. The
fluoride effect driving the retention of metals like mercury adds dramatically toward the nervous-system
damage and loss of T-cells. The loss of GSH and other clearing enzymes results in a see-saw like effect
where the beneficial trace elements such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, and copper are depleted and the
harmful metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium are increased. Such observations often lead to
chelation-type therapy, which needs to be done carefully with reintroduction of beneficial mineral
cocktails and keeping GSH levels preserved or increasing.
Fluorides tend to be accumulated (integrated) over a lifetime and the same net dose occurs from a tenunit dose over one year or that of a one unit dose over ten years! This taken from the DOE’s coverup on
CFS, Fluoride, and its massive effect on human health: THE CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
REPORT By: J. E. Phelps Copyright 2004, 2005.
How then to get rid of this scourge? Pamela from Washington writes:
I have suffered with Fibromyalgia/Rosacea and TMJ for over 10 years... My first symptoms
appeared shortly after I began taking Paxil. After about 8 months when I found the Paxil side
effects intolerable, my doctor switched me to Prozac. Well...within 2 years, I had gained 75
pound, couldn't get my temperature to a normal 98.6 (it wouldn't budge above 96.6), broke
out with a fierce case of Rosacea (skin blistering & pealing in layers off my cheeks), was
chronically fatigued and suffered from TMJ symptoms.
After reading the FLUORIDE information on EarthClinc and researching the chemical
formulas of the many antidepressants that I had taken over the last 10 years, I had an
epiphany...My problem was FLUORIDE! Incidentally, the symptoms of FLUORIDE
TOXICITY are the same as Fibromyalgia; so, it wasn’t surprising to learn that FLUORIDE is
the primary ingredient in MANY widely prescribed antidepressants, including PAXIL and
PROZAC!
Without delay, I began adding 1/8 tsp of BORAX and 1/8 tsp of NATURAL (UN-bleached)
SEA SALT to a liter of DE-CLORINATED water. (A similr amount in bath water should
work wonders.) This regimen just happens to both neutralize the FLUORIDE and KILL the
nasty mites that cause Rosacea. I began drinking 1 liter per day for 5 days. On the two off
days, I simply drank purified, bottled, spring water.
The results were nothing short of MIRACULOUS, within two weeks my face cleared, the
redness faded and best of all, my temperature normalized to 98.6, and my energy level began
to steadily increase. (Do expect the break out to get worse before it gets better as the mites
die off.)
In just one month, without dieting or changing my daily routine (other than adding BORAX
& SEA SALT to my drinking water), I dropped 4 pounds and I continue to drop weight at
42
about a pound a week. I attribute this to my increased body temperature and elevated
metabolism.
ALSO...when I eliminated the FLUORIDE in my toothpaste, my gums stopped swelling and
bleeding and all PREVIOUS phantom tooth/jaw pain simply disappeared. I have had only
POSITIVE results and absolutely NO SIDE EFFECTS! Incidentally, this BORAX & SEA
SALT water is extremely ALKALINE with a pH between 8 - 9 pH.
The only other way I know to control fluoride is to filter your water supply with a quality filter and to
supplement iodine as heavily as you dare, up to 50 mg per day, (adult), subject to other considerations
herein. Dr. Bruce West’s Health Alerts Newsletter, June 2006 states, “People with stubborn arrhythmias
get better on 10, 20, even up to 50 mg of iodine daily for three to four months”. Start at 3-6 mg daily and
gradually increase until the heart smoothes out its beat at a proper 60-70 beats per minute when resting.
One can also control the TNFa and other cytokines as outlined elsewhere in this paper. For those who
are extremely sensitive to other supplements, lesser amounts of iodine should be used, and the dose
reduced if any increased palpitations are experienced.
One should never supplement iodine or do the iodine skin test if iodine allergy is suspected unless on a
doctor’s advice. Though allergic to medical solutions injected, one will rarely be allergic to oral iodine.
Further, rarely, some may experience mild side effects as the body adapts to the new adequacies of
iodine. Often, it is a detox response (bromine, fluoride, or heavy metals) that will clear shortly. Sensitive
individuals may note skin irritations (especially where painted on the skin), watery eyes and nose,
sneezing, increased saliva - perhaps nervousness or headache. Some highly sensitive persons may note
racing heart or irritation of the esophagus. This does not mean that iodine is not needed. Have your
NAET practitioner neutralize your allergy and then proceed. These same symptoms, especially a leaky
nose and sneezing, could mean you have taken the high dose of iodine long enough and you should cut
back. Incidentally, iodine supplementation can cause extremely bad breath due to the breakdown and
release of bromine in the gut. Bromine from bread causes reflux - iodine causes gastritis and reflux by
disengaging the bromine in the gut. Chlorophyll capsules relieve these symptoms, including bad breath.
Lack of iodine causes achlorhydria (lack of stomach acid), which results in a host of digestive problems
and eventual protein deficiency.
Both organic and inorganic fluoride compounds have been shown to inhibit zinc-containing enzymes,
such as carbonic anhydrase (Dugad et al 1988,1989; Gelb et al, 1985) that is not only necessary to
digestion, but is now used as a marker for thyroid dysfunction (Hori et al, 1998). Zinc-dependent
enzymes control the release of vitamin A from the liver; thus, their being inhibited may well lead to a
vitamin A deficiency and a paradox of hepatotoxicity of vitamin A. Another study found that large, oral
supplements of vitamin A preserved mucosal IgA level during protein malnutrition, possibly by
stimulating Th2 cytokine production and thereby, inducing resistance against infection. Fluoride causes
damage to the fat in your body (lipid peroxidation), which is counteracted by the antioxidants betacarotene and superoxide dismutase.
In Wilson’s Disease, researchers have shown that a persistent copper toxicity can overload and disable
MT proteins. Copper is neurotoxic at lower levels than recently thought and it produces large amounts
of free radicals. In rabbits, excess copper induces accumulation of beta amyloid and senile plaques, the
hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease that often affects Down’s and older autistics. Autopsy of Brains of
Alzheimer’s victims shows hallmark pathological changes caused by free-radical activity, including
DNA damage and oxidation of proteins and fats. The leading Wilson’s Disease therapy involves
removal of excessive copper from liver, kidneys, and brain followed by restoration of normal zinc
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levels. Dr. W. Walsh proposes that the same treatment may be effective in treating autism. Test for
copper in tap water: mix half a glass of water with a half-ounce of household ammonia - ½-ounce would
be a tablespoon. If it turns blue, you need your water tested further.
Elevated serotonin levels have been consistently found in 30%-50% of autistic patients, and may
represent a marker for familial autism. Hyperserotonemia in autism appears to be due to enhanced 5-HT
(serotonin) uptake, as free 5-HT levels are normal and the current report of an excess of the long/long 5HTTLPR genotype in autism could provide a partial molecular explanation for high platelet serotonin
content in autism-PMID: 11378854. Serotonin synthesis is decreased in the brains of autistic children
and increased in autistic adults, relative to age-matched controls (Chugani et al, 1999), while whole
blood serotonin in platelets is elevated regardless of age (Leboyer; Cook, 1990). One study reports that a
decrease in cortical 5-HT2A receptors is the main neurochemical event underlying the impairing effect
of hypothyroidism on 5-HT neurotransmission (Kulikov et al, 1999). Dr. Ward Dean, MD, states that 5HTP does not raise peripheral levels of serotonin as it is converted to serotonin in the brain. This would
seem to provide a solution to the need for enhanced serotonin in the brains of children while restricting
it in the blood stream. Adequate magnesium would prevent premature destruction in the synapse also
contributing to increased presence in the brain.
Low brain serotonin levels are associated with increased sensitivity to pain, and chronic pain sufferers
appear to have reduced serotonin functioning. Serotonin is known to have an effect on pain awareness,
in part by controlling the release of a pain-signaling, brain chemical called Substance P.
Researchers have found a mutation in the human serotonin transporter gene, hSERT, in unrelated
families with OCD. A second variant in the same gene of some patients with this mutation suggests a
genetic “double hit,” resulting in greater biochemical effects and more severe symptoms. Interviews of
the patients’ families revealed that 6 of the 7 individuals with the mutation had OCD or OC personality
disorder and some also had anorexia nervosa, Asperger’s syndrome, social phobia, tic disorder, and
alcohol or other substance abuse/dependence.
The combination of these changes, both of which increase serotonin transport, may explain the unusual
severity and treatment resistance of the illnesses in the subjects and their siblings. “This is probably the
first report of a modification in a transporter gene resulting in a gain rather than a decrease in function,”
said NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D.
SERT allows neurons, platelets, and other cells to accumulate the chemical neurotransmitter serotonin,
which affects emotions and drives. Neurons communicate by using chemical messengers, like serotonin
and dopamine, between cells. The transporter protein, by recycling serotonin back into the neuron,
regulates its concentration in a gap, or synapse, and thus, its effect on a receiving neuron’s receptor.
This mutation removes available serotonin from the synapse, having the effect of a serotonin deficiency.
Transporters are important sites for agents that treat psychiatric disorders. Drugs that reduce the binding
of serotonin to transporters (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) are used (with apparent,
initial success) to treat mental disorders. This prevents normal reuptake into platelets and other cells (as
well as into neurons), and as a result, could contribute to bleeding, as a certain level of serotonin is
needed for platelets to aggregate normally in controlling bleeding. This previously unreported
information indicates that SSRIs are all the more dangerous when taken with coumadin, NSAIDs, or
aspirin (8 fold risk). Combining NSAIDs, aspirin, and and SSRIs increase risk to 28-fold! The study
found this increase risk continued even after discontinuing SSRIs! About half of patients with OCD are
treated with SSRIs (with apparent initial success), but those with the hSERT gene defect do not seem to
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respond to them as expected, according to the study. Any vulnerability to OCD from gene effects most
likely interacts with events in the environment like stresses, gender, and treatments, Murphy said.
A related study, reported in the August 2003 Molecular Pharmacology, tested consequences of the
hSERT variant. Researchers found that the I425V mutation of hSERT increased the transport activity of
this protein, capturing more serotonin and most likely reducing effects at the receiving neuron’s
receptors, outperforming the common transporter. The mutant molecule was not regulated normally, and
did not respond to cell signals that activate the common form of the transporter.
Finally, these kids are hypersensitive to everything: sound, light, touch, and colors. Typically, bright
yellow will drive them up the wall leading to all sorts of aberrant behavior. This sensitivity is usually
related to a deficiency of vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium. It can be from a G-protein defect.
First of all, it seems important to discriminate between the two types of magnesium
deficit: magnesium deficiency and magnesium depletion. In the case of magnesium
deficiency, the disorder corresponds to an insufficient magnesium intake. It merely
requires oral, physiological magnesium supplementation (5mg/kg). In the case of
magnesium depletion, the disorder that induces magnesium deficit is related to a
dysregulation of the control mechanisms of magnesium metabolism, either failure of the
mechanisms that insure magnesium homeostasis or intervention of endogenous or
iatrogenic, perturbating factors of the magnesium status. Magnesium depletion requires
more or less specific correction of its causal dysregulation (see the abstract on right
hemisphere dominance and autism near the end of this paper for further insight).
Although acute and chronic magnesium deficiencies are specifically reversible through
oral magnesium supplementation with physiological doses, the experimental and clinical
symptoms may differ. The typical pattern of chronic magnesium deficiency is latent,
whereas overt signs are observed in acute magnesium deficiency. The discrepancy
between the patent and latent nervous forms of magnesium deficiency suggests that in the
latent form there are compensatory factors that antagonize the nervous hyperexcitability
(NHE) observed in the overt form…The main mediated compensatory factor is taurine
(TA) with the help of its peptidic congener: L-glutamyl taurine (GTA)…When these
direct and mediated compensatory factors are effective, Nervous Hyperexcitability
(NHE) remains latent. It is patent when compensatory factors are insufficient.
A pharmacological load of Mg (10mg/kg) increases release of calcitonin and nitric oxide
(NO). In contrast, physiological Mg supplementation (5mg/kg), far from acting similarly,
reduces high levels of calcitonin (as well as of calcitonin gene-related peptide, and of
Nitric Oxide released in the case of Mg deficiency)…Mg-deficient animals show an
increased susceptibility to in-vivo oxidative stress, and the tissues of these animals are
more susceptible to in-vitro peroxidation, affecting lipids particularly…Mg deficiency
frequently alters protein biosynthesis and induces enzymatic hypoactivity...Protein
oxidation in Mg-deficient rat brains occurs early. A significant increase of protein
carbonyls is observed within 2 to 3 weeks on a Mg-deficient diet…These changes take
place prior to any detectable tissue damage, dysfunction, or changes in cellular
glutathione. Mg deficiency may increase formation of free radicals directly, but also
indirectly through free-radical-triggered mechanisms…NHE due to Mg deficiency
mainly depends on modifications in the turnover of several neuromediators and
neuromodulators. They associate an increased turnover of the monoamines: serotonin
(5HT), acetylcholine, catecholamines (dopamine and noradrenaline, mainly), and of
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excitatory amino acids (aspartic and glutamic acids, mainly) with a decreased turnover of
inhibitory amino acids (Gama-amino butyric acid [GABA] and taurine, mainly)
(magnesium acts as an inhibitor of neurotransmitter destruction-WSL)…Neuromuscular
hypoexcitability due to hyper-magnesemia only occurs when plasma Mg is more than
twice normal levels…With all the psychometric evaluations, and with the DSM III R
interview particularly, the clinical pattern induced through Mg deficiency was always
neurotic (for example: generalized anxiety, panic-attack disorders, and depression) but
never psychotic. Neuroses are preeminently conditioning factors for stress. Neuroses may
therefore very frequently produce secondary Mg depletion.
These brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, generate the electrical impulses that deliver energy and
instruction through the nerves to the entire body, enabling it to maintain normal function. Deficiencies
in the primary neurotransmitters cause specific “short circuits” that show up in families of symptoms
and conditions. For example, serotonin deficiencies have been associated with headaches, depression,
palpitations, anxiety, hypertension, and insomnia. (GABA deficiencies are associated with racing
thoughts that keep people awake; so, if you awake in the wee hours take a GABA tablet and don’t worry
about not awaking fully alert a couple of hours later.) If you are tired all day and have trouble sleeping
at night, you likely have a copper overload. Acetylcholine deficiencies relate to dry mouth, senility, and
Alzheimer’s. Aberrant neurotransmitter levels can be assessed in a primary-care setting with a simple
brain-electrical-activity map (BEAM), a test similar to an EKG. The brain’s electrical activity is
represented by brainwaves, and a specific electrical measurement corresponds to each primary
neurotransmitter. The brain’s voltage is also a vital value measured.
This whole series of metabolic problems in the autistic child causes a homeostatic alteration that produces
biological stresses that starts from within the child. The level of stress controls many variations of behavior, and
these children (and their Moms) are stressed to the breaking. Animals fed high levels of excitotoxic glutamate
have lower thyroid hormone levels and higher cortisone levels than normal. Glutathione levels also are
reduced. Glutamate is presently excessive in canned soups and in restaurant-prepared soups and in restaurant
and frozen entrees that can trigger arrythmias, sometimes fatal ones. Aspartame (NutraSweet™) has the same
deleterious effect. Additionally, stress, cadmium, and mercury reduce the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 to
the more active T3. Stress is the cause of hyponeofagia, the aversion to trying new foods. This limited
alimentary choice disappears in animals given anti-stress therapy. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a
well-known, stress symptom. It is present in a high percentage of cases, and it too responds to antistress
therapies such as relaxation-meditation exercises, massage, and supplementation of 200-400 mcg of chromium
(for adults, half that for children. Chromium reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, which in excess, severely
depresses the immune system and kills neurons by the billions. Corticosteroids and endogenous cortisol
suppress cellular immune responses, and this excess cortisol destroys immature T-cells. Poor immune response
is something found in all autistic children.
Animal experiments and human studies have demonstrated that the first phase of marginal chromium deficiency
manifests itself by slightly elevated circulating insulin levels in response to glucose loading. Largely due to an
increased hormone production, in this phase, most insulin-dependent, physiological functions tend to remain intact.
The second phase, well characterized in both animal experiments and human studies, begins to show signs of the
metabolic disorders associated with low chromium intake that includes significantly abnormal glucose fluctuations
and disturbances in lipid metabolism. The final phase of inadequate chromium intake manifests itself by a marked
insulin resistance to glucose loading, resembling a diabetes-like syndrome, which eventually leads to an exhaustion
of pancreatic insulin production and ultimately to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes.
Research has already established that insulin-dependent, diabetic children exhibit a significantly lower hair
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chromium concentration compared to controls. Other studies have found that chromium absorption and
excretion in diabetics is two to four times greater than in healthy individuals. Also, subjects who died with
diabetes had significantly lower hepatic chromium concentration compared to non-diabetics.
A new study conducted by Dr. John Vincent at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa shows that chromium
picolinate enters the cells directly and stays there—where it can cause problems (picolinate is an effective carrier,
and it takes too much into the cell—WSL). In fact, the chromium picolinate reacts with vitamin C and other
antioxidants in the cells to produce a “reduced” form of chromium capable of causing mutations in DNA, the
genetic material (potentially causing cancer). It’s the combination of chromium and picolinate (particularly the
reduced form) that can produce dangerous compounds—not the chromium alone. Moreover, the picolinate
eventually breaks off and has adverse effects—UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, June 1999. Chose chromium in
combination with niacin (Chromiacintm by CountryLife is my choice). Lest you be concerned about the safety of
Chromium itself, Dr. Richard Anderson, researcher with the US Department of Agriculture, who has studied
Chromium for over 20 years, states, “If I had diabetes, I’d take 200 mcg at least two or three times daily.” He
personally takes over 200 mcg per day. Studies in China have used 1000 mcg per day with good results in Type II
diabetes. It is most effective when combined with niacin.
“With a high aluminum (Al) diet alone, Al content in the nervous system in rats showed no difference with a control
group although serum Al was high. No degenerative process was observed. However, with an insufficient intake of
Mg, the same Al load induced an increase in Al and calcium concentrations in the nervous system and
neurodegeneration with precipitation of insoluble hydroxyapatites (calcium)…The pituitary gland, located at the
base of the brain, is believed to regulate the functions of all the other glands of the body. It is the gland through
which magnesium works as a prime component of pituitary secretions to regulate the functioning of the other
glands. If magnesium is not available or the pituitary is not functioning properly, the body will suffer symptoms of a
magnesium deficiency or a pituitary malfunction, depending on how you look at it…Fluoride bonds with
magnesium in the blood into the insoluble magnesium fluoride. This means that the magnesium cannot be
assimilated by the pituitary, with the consequent failure of the pituitary to function properly that leads to the
symptoms of magnesium deficiency…It is necessary to highlight the curative and preventive importance of oral,
physiological, maternal, Mg supplementation, not only during pregnancy but also in the child throughout life from
infancy to older age, to possibly prevent the so-called constitutional factor of neurolability, some cases of sudden
infant death syndrome, infantile convulsions, or psychiatric diseases, and even in adult cardiovascular diseases and
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.”—Mineral and Metal Neurotoxicology, ed. M. Yasui, M .J. Strong, K. Ota,
& M. A. Verity, CRC Press, 1997.
Although chromium has received considerable media attention, scientific literature shows that magnesium has a
more important role in regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Magnesium is involved in a number of reactions
required for cells to uptake and metabolize glucose. Magnesium deficiency causes insulin resistance and elevated
blood sugar levels (Paolisso et al 1990; Nadler et al 1993; Nadler et al 1995; Lefebvre et al 1994). High blood sugar
depletes magnesium leading to many symptoms including irritability and chronic anger commonly seen in
Diabetics - www.lef.org/protocols/metabolic_health/obesity_01.htm
The lack of magnesium with high calcium and aluminum has been confirmed in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims
and of all other neurological diseases such as Lou Gehrig’s! Aluminum not only inhibits the enzyme that produces
acetylcholine, but it prevents magnesium from entering the neuron. (Aluminum hydroxide antacids deplete calcium
and phosphorus) This produces a condition in which the brain suffers from magnesium depletion while the rest of
the body may have normal magnesium! Without magnesium, the NMDA receptor has no protection against
excessive glutamate, which leads to damage through excitotoxicity! A lack of magnesium in the brain enhances the
damage of aluminum and mercury, and is a major factor in Alzheimer’s. Nevertheless, glutathione, a potent
antioxidant and free radical scavenger, is said to also protect neurons by preventing the NMDA receptor
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response to excess glutamate. Additionally, silymarin, curcumin, and Ginkgo biloba block glutamate
receptors – Dr. Russell Blaylock, MD.
It should be noted that NMDA, the most important “switch” in the brain, has receptors that must be
activated for learning or memory to occur or for any message to be transmitted to the body. Glutamate is
the major activator; magnesium the major inhibitor against overactivation; because magnesium can
block the NMDA glutamate receptor. That’s its natural function, so it significantly reduces toxicity.
Vitamin E succinate is powerful at inhibiting excitotoxicity, as are all of antioxidants. A combination of
B-vitamins also block excitotoxicity.
Low energy available to the cell [hypoglycemia, poor blood supply to portions of the brain, a high metabolic rate,
strenuous exercise (especially for more than an hour), a failure of energy production by the mitochondria of the
cells], and/or low magnesium in the spinal cord and brain makes cells highly vulnerable to excitotoxic (aspartates,
glutamates, MSG, heavy metals, amphetamines) damage. Additionally, excess glutamate lowers the glucose
allowed into the brain by 35% (lead also decreases glucose uptake)! MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas
creates, causing rats (and humans?) to become obese. They even have a title for the race of fat rodents they create:
“MSG-Treated Rats”. Glutamate hides under many label terms such as hydrolyzed protein (soy). One must restrict
the amount of MSG, flavor enhancers, and aspartates (AspartameTM and aspartate supplements) in the diet. This
toxicity can manifest itself as anxiety or confusion, and as episodes of anger! These nutrients have been shown to be
protective against this damage (listed in probable order of importance): Vitamin B6 and Magnesium, N-acetyl
cysteine, Manganese, Zinc, Lithium, Melatonin, the amino acids Theanine (from Green Tea), Acetyl-L-carnitine,
the antioxidants Glutathione, NADH, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamins C, E, and K, the drug Deprenyl™ (an
MAO-B inhibitor), the amino acids glycine and taurine, omega-3 oils (CLO), and kynurenic acid. A magnesium gel
(Essence of Life Brand) of condenced seawater is available from Iherb.com. This can be rubbed on the skin,
preferable after a warm bath, to quickly replenish magnesium levels and to quickly diminish many types of pain.
When the pituitary is not getting the magnesium it needs, it fails to control the adrenals that then overproduce
adrenaline (a major stress hormone). Obviously, there is a need to enhance magnesium intake, but the omega-3
fats in foods reduce the output of adrenaline and noradrenaline favorably affecting behavior and
reducing anxiety and aggression also. Long-term deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids adversely raises
the dopamine levels in an area of the brain closely linked to addictive behavior. The fetal and infant
brain is unable to convert the alpha linolenic acid found in plants and plant oils; so, it is dependent upon the
Mother to eat enough Omega-3 oils. Omega-3 deficiencies in the Mother can lead to increases in
deficiencies in the infant with each successive birth. Studies have shown a DHA brain deficiency of about
30% in the first child, but by the third, brain DHA levels can fall as much as 85%! Furthermore, it has been
shown that DHA levels fall between the ages of six and twelve months due to a continuing lack in the
dietary (even when breast fed). This can have a profound effect on retinal and brain development. Feeding
DHA-enhanced egg yolks increased DHA levels by 34%! Reisbick et al, at the Oregon Health Sciences
University found that rhesus monkeys fed a long-term deficient diet developed stereotyped behaviors during
early life. These are the type of repetitive behaviors seen with social deprivation and autism. Another study
of fatty acids in the umbiblical cords and veins of infants found that infants with neurological abnormalities
at birth had significantly lower levels of arachidonic acid and DHA as well as higher levels of transfatty
acids. Tests indicate that enriching of the diets with these fatty acids can reverse the negative effects after
about six weeks to 12 weeks!
It is known that danger, as well as the mentioned magnesium deficiency, incites the activity of the adrenal glands,
but anxiety or worry, even watching most TV shows, also incite the adrenal glands, which then pour hormones
through the body that increase heartbeat, release sugar from the liver, and contribute to a host of problems not the
least of which is hyperexcitability and an inability to cope. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of
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children diagnosed with autism, accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior, daily
supplementation with 1.5 g/d omega-3 fatty acids (0.84 g/d EPA, 0.7 g/d DHA) was found to reduce hyperactivity
and stereotypy. Additionally, theanine is believed to influence the production of alpha waves in the brain, for it
generates a sense of deep relaxation and mental alertness in humans (Mason 2001). It is believed to exert a positive
effect on formation of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is an offset to the Excitotoxins mentioned above.
Therefore, supplementing the diet with theanine, magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids (fish and CLO), and vitamin B6
would surely prove beneficial. Only Suntheanine™ by Taiyo International, Inc is recommended. DHA is a
component of the vital brain chemicals phosphatidylethanolamine (lecithin) and Phosphatidylserine, with lower
levels in phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), suggesting other supplemental sources for DHA.
Additionally, another part of the body that responds positively to L-theanine is the liver. Theanine is a powerful
antidote to the effects of alcohol and yeast toxins. If given to mice before or after they drink alcohol, it significantly
lowers blood levels of alcohol. Alcohol converts to a toxic chemical known as acetaldehyde that is more toxic than
alcohol itself. Theanine accelerates the breakdown of acetaldehyde and blocks toxic free-radicals. The Japanese
study showed that it not only blocked radicals caused by alcohol, but kept them low for five hours. This is
apparently because theanine helps counter the alcohol (acetaldehyde) induced loss of glutathione. The importance
of this is in the realization that Candida produces acetaldehyde in abundance and many of these children actually are
drunk much of the time from a high-carbohydrate diet! Yes, their pancreas makes alcohol! Is he giggly and
boisterous about an hour after eating? This calls for restoring flora balance and reducing the carbohydrate levels of
the diet. Some other ways to reduce acetaldehyde levels include flooding the system with vitamin C and Bvitamins, potassium, vitamins A and D, and lots of water. If lacking these nutrients, try 4-ounces of water with juice
of half a lemon and a drop of fennel essential oil. Peppermint or ginger can settle an upset stomach.
Magnesium, selenium, and melatonin protect the cells from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and
nickel, and gives significant protection against excitotoxins. Evidence is mounting that low levels of magnesium
contribute to the heavy metal deposition in the brain that precedes Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s.
Lead toxicity disrupts the blood-brain barrier allowing heavy metals and toxic substances, including MSG,
glutamate, and other excitotoxins, into the brain; however, it is vital to note that children do not really have a bloodbrain barrier. It develops slowly, coming to maturity at maturity. Thus, it is probable that low, total-body magnesium
contributes to heavy-metal toxicity in children, and is a participant in the etiology of learning disorders. As indicated
above, if you have low taurine you can’t hold on to magnesium, and you need it for detoxification and protection
against excitotoxins. Taurine increases bilirubin and cholesterol excretion in bile, critical to normal gallbladder
function and fat digestion. Bile is also needed to extract the flavonoids, carotenes, and folates from vegetables! So,
eat your greens with some high-fat, salad dressing or other source of fat, needed to trigger bile release. You will get
8-13 times more nourishment from them! Yes. Documented.
Additionally, in Parkinson’s, specific damage found in Substantia Niger that is not affecting other areas, such as
high iron and zinc, low NADH (Complex I activity), evidence of free-radical damage, and significantly lower
levels of glutathione, indicate a weakness of this area to damage. Taurine is protective of these areas against
damage by excitotoxins. What comes first? It has been shown in early stages that the other values are basically
normal, with NADH being only slightly reduced, but the powerful antioxidant glutathione is drastically low! In
the chain of antioxidant activity, vitamin E is spent and then rejuvenated by vitamin C that is in turn rejuvenated
by lipoic acid and glutathione. Here is the limiting factor in the antioxidant chain. In autism, typically, glutathione
levels are 1/3 normal! Glutathione levels are quickly depleted by oxidative stress during times of illness, infection,
trauma (physical or emotional), surgery, and ingestion of Tylenol™. Glutathione is also lacking in cases of low
protein intake, diabetes, liver disease, cataract, HIV, respiration distress syndrome, cancer, idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis, and all other conditions that produce high oxidative stress.
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Taking glutathione orally raises serum levels modestly, but cellular levels hardly at all unless there is adequate alpha
lipoic acid present to chemically “reduce” the GSH and to elevate its cellular levels. This makes a supplement of
lipoic acid imperative for it enhances glutathione production and recycles spent glutathione, CoQ10, and
vitamins C and E. R-lipoic acid, the metabolically active form, is preferred. It is doubly effective. When R-lipoic acid
and acetyl-L-carnitine were joined, they significantly improved spatial and temporal memory performance,
significantly reduced the extent of oxidized RNA, and reversed age-associated mitochondrial structural decay. (Ninety
percent of oxygen reduction occurs in the mitochondria, generating the majority of all free radicals,
thus it is vital to have adequate antioxidants in mitochondria!) R-dehydro-lipoic acid (R-DHLA), the
reduced form of R-lipoic acid, has been shown to be the only form that is effective against superoxide and peroxyl
reactive oxygen species. Additionally, only R-DHLA is capable of actually repairing oxidative damage! Lipoic acid is
best taken three times a day, not to exceed 100 mg/day, unless monitored by a doctor. Potentially, lopic acid can
increase copper to toxic levels and build excess calcium and zinc levels by reducing bile output. It is thought that larger
amounts may move copper from kidneys to other organs of the body, including the brain.
A study from the University of California at Berkley found that combining Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) with alpha lipoic
acid not only eliminates the concerns about oxidative stress, but also magnifies ALC’s anti-aging effects. Further,
combining ALC with CoQ10 boosts the power and total effectiveness of CoQ10! Apparently, a major benefit of ALC
is to trigger enzymes to perform their jobs. In its relation to CoQ10, carnitine also pumps fatty acids into the
mitochondria where CoQ10 is involved with energy production and is the major antioxidant. It increases blood and
oxygen supply to the heart, reducing angina. It appears that CoQ10, carnitine, and alpha lipoic acid should be
supplemented together for maximum results. It is preferable, however, to stimulate your body to produce more CoQ10
by increasing intake of certain nutrients, such as the amino acid, tyrosine, and the mineral, magnesium.
It is now understood that Carnitine has two active forms, active to different purposes. ALC is especially active in
neuronal tissues, whereas, propionyl-L-carnitine is especially active in lean muscle tissue. The form of carnitine used
must correspond with the particular condition or reason for its use. Propionyl-L-carnitine is used to manage peripheral
vascular disease, atherosclerotic and diabetic angioplasties, and congestive heart failure. In combination with ALC, it is
used for symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and age-related testosterone deficiency. It seems to lessen symptoms
of male hormone decline in older men, lessening sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and depression without the side effects of
hormonal replacement.
It is apparent that free radicals are a natural byproduct of normal metabolism, and we are lacking even the minimum
amounts to protect our cells, but trauma, wounds, infections and other serious illnesses, often treated with deadly drugs,
kick reactive oxygen species (ROS) into high gear, leading to severe depletion of antioxidants. Researchers at
Vanderbilt University Medical Center gave a seven-day course of high-dose antioxicants to acutely injured patients and
compared them with patients who received no antioxidants. The differences were astounding. Those taking
antioxidants had dramatic reductions in catheter- and surgical-site infections, abdominal complication, and pulmonary
failure. They were able to leave ICU and the hospital faster, and death rates were reduced by 28%! (Better take your
own when hospitalized!) Today’s environmental stresses, pesticides, drugs, and other toxins demand that we all take
significant amounts of antioxidants, and that we increase them when illness or trauma strikes. Need I repeat that parents
and special-needs children are stressed to the breaking?
It has been known for many years that 20% to 40% of patients treated chronically with certain tranquilizers
(neuroleptics) will develop Parkinson’s. One of the worst offenders is Haloperidol™, frequently prescribed for autistic
children! This is a powerful inhibitor of Complex I activity, having been shown to reduce activity as much as 42%! By
using nutritional supplements, where indicated, to increase mitochondrial energy production, the neurons are protected
against excitotoxic injury. Both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine can by-pass the defect in Complex I that is seen in
Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Riboflavin, niacinamide, thiamine, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, ENADA™
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(NADH), CoQ10, and vitamin K all improve mitochondrial energy production and protect against ROS.
Additionally, researchers at the University of Oregon claim that the combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid
has made an incredible difference in aging rats. They were far more energetic, they learned new tasks more easily, and
their short-term memory drastically improved. A major task for Carnitine is to balance the secretions of the body’s key
hormones, adrenaline and insulin. People who take Carnitine are much more easily able to transform fats into energy,
and the level of fatty acids and triglycerides in their blood diminishes in direct proportion to the amount of Carnitine
taken. There were significant increases in HDL (Rossi 1982), there is reduced heart irregularities (Singh 9196), and
improved heart function (Davini 1992), with dramatic increase in exercise tolerance (Kobayashi 1992). Acetyl-Lcarnitine facilitates the release and synthesis of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, and enhances the release of
dopamine from neurons while helping it to bind to dopamine receptors. A new form of acetyl-L-carnitine from Life
Extension Foundation (www.lef.org), Acetyl-L-Carnitine-Arginate, acting together with Acetyl-L-carnitine, stimulates
growth of new neurites (dendrites and axons) by an astounding 19.5%, more than three times that of acetyl-L-carnitine
itself, and the neurites were 21% longer! They have now included Propionl-L-carnitine in the formula.
Prior to L-carnitine treatment of aged rats, the levels of lipid peroxides were remarkably increased and the
activities of antioxidant enzymes significantly decreased when compared to younger controls. Administration of
L-carnitine for 21 days significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxides and improved the activities of
antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Lcarnitine also enhanced the action of T-cells and significantly reduced DNA damage and cell death in the
lymphocytes of aged animals.
Additionally, a Japanese study with rats drinking water enhanced by a special “Wellness” filter showed they lived
25% longer! Examination of controls drinking tap water revealed enlarged cellular mitochondria due to
calcification…a primary cause of ageing. The enhanced-water rats exhibited well-formed, normal mitochondria!
Adequate vitamin D3 is needed to properly utilize calcium, keeping it out of soft tissue.
Additionally, recent research has associated an excessive aluminum concentration in the brain structure, in some
people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, despite this toxic element having a low permeability of the blood-brain
barrier, suggesting that some form of membrane defect may permit the excessive influx of aluminum into the
brain. It is already known that an adequate zinc supply is necessary to maintain the integrity of all biological
membranes. For example, it was found, when experimenting with rats fed with sub-optimal zinc, that aluminum
concentrations increased three-fold in the frontolateral cortex and eight-fold in the hippocampus. This aluminum
is relatively harmless unless there is mercury there also. Therefore, it has been suggested, that a reason for
Alzheimer’s disease could be suboptimal zinc nurture, leading to ‘leaky’ blood-brain barrier and thereby to
increased transfer of aluminum and other toxins (including mercury) into the brain. Additionally, a lack of
magnesium coupled with the same aluminum intake, increased the load of aluminum in the brain and nervous
system. Fluoride increases the amounts of aluminum in the brain also. Autistic children are universally lacking in
zinc and magnesium, and show toxic levels of aluminum and mercury. Those mercury poisoned and those
magnesium deficient are notoriously low on vitamin B1 and B6. Scary.
Dr. Derek Birchall reported that in Atlantic salmon exposed to acidic water containing high levels of
aluminum, but low levels of silica, the gills of the fish were severely damaged. However, with high
amounts of silica in the water, the fish remained healthy. Rats on a low-silicon diet accumulated
aluminum in the brain. Those on a high-silicon diet did not. If you drink beer, or take many supplements
(with silica filler), you get enough silica; otherwise, you would be wise to supplement it for it has been
shown to remove aluminum from the body and brain.
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Additionally, alkaline water (including the water in cells) can hold a lot of oxygen. Acidic water (or cells) can
hold very little oxygen. So the more acidic your cells are, the less oxygenated they will be (and autistic
children are frequently lacking in oxygen to the brain, in particular). Sang Whang, in his book “Reverse
Aging”, points out that toxins are acidic. If the blood is already overly acidic, toxins will not be released into
the blood, which must happen in order to detoxify your cells. This buildup of toxins causes acidic, poorly
oxygenated cells. An increasingly popular way to oxygenate these children is to use a long, expensive series of
oxygen-chamber treatments. One might want to look at less expensive methods first. Exercise With Oxygen
Therapy (EWOT) involves 15 minutes on a treadmill while breathing oxygen. The exercise increases the
osmotic pressure and dissolves more oxygen into the intercellular water and into the cells. Oxygen saturation
is restored to optimum levels, even in the very old. Nevertheless, to facilitate best results, work to restore
normal pH of the saliva and urine.
Research shows that a magnesium deficiency, such as in Diabetes, can produce pain that is only relieved
by replenishing magnesium. Restoring magnesium levels can be difficult when taurine is deficient or when
the oral magnesium overstimulates the bowel. I have found a remarkable solution to that problem of oral
magnesium, a magnesium-glycerol oil used transdermally. Order “Essence of Life Magnesium Oil” (or gel)
from the Internet. Eight-ounce bottles sell for $22.00. This is magnesium chloride from concentrated seawater.
It can be rubbed on several times a day (after a warm bath is most effective), or used in bath water. I have seen
it quickly relieve pain in a diabetic. Many others, not diabetic, testify to this experience.
These above-enumerated, medical facts show that every symptom of these dear children is treatable! These
kids are sick. They are not usually brain damaged. What seems to be occurring is an immune-mediated,
abnormal “shut down” of blood flow in the temporal lobe area of the brain, and therefore an interference with
central nervous system function. Total brain perfusion is significantly decreased in autism subjects (range, 58% to
72% of controls). In addition to the globally decreased perfusion, the autism group also had regionally decreased
flow in the right lateral temporal and right, left, and midfrontal lobes compared with controls. Additionally, there
are many critical deficiencies such as vitamins B1, B6, zinc, and magnesium, and heavy metals are blocking many
enzymatic functions. Removing heavy metals and restoring blood flow should be a priority.
This paper is not meant as a medical prescription, nor do all the conditions and suggested
interventions apply to every child. You must study this paper until you see your child’s face in it, and
then use the parts that are applicable to him. In all instances, it is good to consult with your
nutritionally-oriented professional when making any major nutritional changes.
Immune 101
There are three major classes of Immune Cell types: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are divided into three subgroups: B-Cells, T-cells, and Natural Killer Cells. T-cells are divided
into CD4, helper cells, CD8, suppressor cells, and cytotoxic, CD8, Killer T-cells. That is, they show the
Cluster Determinant (CD) glycoproteins on their surface. During the first two years of life, a delicate one-toone ratio between CD4 (helper) and CD8 (suppressor) cells forms. CD4/CD8 ratios that do not equal 1:1 are
indicative of abnormal immune systems. All these produce cytokines, chemical messengers that tell the
other cells what to do. Cytokines, also called growth factors, are the common language of the immune,
hormonal, and nervous systems regulating the growth and development of cells and tissues. Scientists state
that: “Stimulation of the developing immune system (by early childhood diseases—WSL) can prevent autoimmunity” with clinical evidence proving that immune stimulation prevents auto-immune disease by upregulating growth factors that bring the body back into balance with normal cell-to-cell communication.
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Growth factors are biologically active, biochemically well-characterized, small proteins (cytokines) that
regulate cell growth, repair, renewal, and cell death throughout the body, including the developing nervous
and immune systems. Growth factors need not enter cells to exert their effects upon DNA and cellular
activities because they use specific cell receptors that carry their signals into the genes. Specific growth
factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and
transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) play critical roles early in the four-stage, cell cycle during what is
called G1 phase. These growth factors determine the cell’s fate by regulating what genes are turned on or
off. If a gene is “turned on”, it will be read and its message translated into protein. If a gene is “turned off”,
its message will remain dormant. Many viruses compete for the same DNA gene regulatory (transcription)
sites as growth factors do since viruses need to overcome the growth factor’s control of the cell’s fate so that
the virus can multiply and infect more cells. Growth factors contribute to healthy communication between
the protective systems in the body, such as the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems. If growth factors
do not work appropriately, there is aberrant cell-to-cell communication throughout the body, and a type of
chaos ensues—Dr. Barbara Brewitt, Chief Science Officer, Biomed Comm, Inc.
DHA binds to a vitamin A receptor along with vitamin D and goes into the nucleus of cells, where it decides
which genes in the brain to turn on and which ones to turn off. Protein from lean meat (especially fresh,
wild-caught fish high in omega-3s) and minerals from vegetables and fruits are even more critical for a
developing brain than for an adult brain because children are building new structures and shaping
relationships among parts of the brain. So it's key to feed children premium fuel every day. - James Dowd
and Diane Stafford, The vitamin D Cure. Vitamin D, which forms when your skin is exposed to sunlight,
regulates the expression of more than 2,000 genes throughout your body, including ones that influence your
immune system to attack and destroy bacteria and viruses. Get the kids, and yourself, into the summer sun,
without sunscreen, and take a vitamin D supplement in the winter, or if otherwise not taking the sun.
The CD4+, lymphocyte helper-cell activities are divided into Th1 (Cell-mediated immunity), and Th2 (humoral
immunity). Th1 is the first-line of defense primarily against viral, fungi, and protozoa, while Th2 helps the B-cells
to produce antibodies. The T-cells are separated into these two classes depending upon the specific cytokines the
cells secrete in response to antigenic stimulation. Th1 cells primarily produce interferon (IFN) and interleukin-2
(IL-2), whereas Th2 cells produce IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. These two helper T-cell classes also differ
by the type of immune response they produce. While Th1 cells tend to generate responses against intracellular
parasites such as bacteria and viruses, Th2 cells produce immune responses against helminths and other
extracellular parasites. Interestingly, the cytokines produced by each Th subset tends to both stimulate production
of that subset, and inhibit development of the other subset. Th1 and Th2 represent two, separate, counterbalancing
functions of the immune system, and problems occur when they are out of balance.
In a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Marc E. Rothenberg, M.D.,
Ph.D., has established a link between reflux and allergy - not only food allergies but also environmental allergens
such as pollens and molds. Dr. Rothenberg, the study’s senior author, and his colleague Anil Mishra, Ph.D., have
developed the first experimental system, a mouse model, for eosinophilic esophagitis - a disease whose numbers
have exploded in recent years.
“We’re saying that what a person breathes in can actually affect the gastrointestinal system,” says Dr. Rothenberg,
who directs the section of allergy and clinical immunology in Cincinnati Children’s division of Pulmonary
Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology. ‘There is a direct link between exposure to allergens that go to the
lungs and development of esophageal inflammation.’
Moreover, Dr. Rothenberg has discovered that a molecule called interleukin-5 mediates this pathway. When Dr.
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Rothenberg’s research group gave mice an allergen that induced asthma, all the mice developed esophagitis. But
none of the mice deficient in who were given the allergen developed esophagitis. “They were completely
protected,” says Dr. Mishra, Ph.D., the study’s lead author.
After a strong Th1 response to infection gets on top of the search-out-and-kill activity, Interleukin 4 and 10
promotes a change of a class of antibody (IgG1) produced by memory cells and suppresses the activity of the
killer cells and starts to shut down the Th1 immune response. The production of memory cells is dependent on
this strong Th1 immune response. For example: the immunological action taken against a primary attack of
measles is primarily Th1, with a later back-up by a Th2 antibody that is dependent on the initial Th1 response,
and then a dampening down of the Th1 system by the Th2 antibody. However, “These alterations support the
hypothesis that the immunologic alterations induced by immunization do activate type-2 cell responses leading
to improved antibody production, while suppressing type-1, T-cell responses leading to reduced
lymphoproliferation.” (JID 1996, Vol 173, pg 1324-1325) Do you understand the implications of this? There
are plenty of antibodies at the expense of the ability to “search-and-destroy”—to fight other infections. This is
the key—the difference between natural Th1, and vaccine induced Th2 immunity—and yet, some fail to show
antibodies even when vaccinated and boosted and revaccinated! Could that be because they had no sufficient
Th1 response? Possibly, but magnesium deficiency has been shown to decrease antibody production and
lymphocytes, the body’s defense against invaders, are inhibited by magnesium deficiency, and most of these
children are deficient in magnesium.
To avoid rejection of the fetus, a Mother’s immune system shifts quickly to Th2, and the baby is born with
this skew to Th2. After the baby is born, the healthy mother’s immune system changes back to normal Th1
dominance very quickly, and breast milk quickly starts the process of changing the baby’s balance towards
Th1 dominance. The vaccinated Mother’s immune function is likely to stay Th2 predominant, robbing her
of her natural immunity to infections and allergies, and she passes this skewed system to her baby! The
poor, bottle-fed child gets no help at all to restore Th1.
It’s most revealing to learn that the same insult given to those of different genetic makeup will cause some
to have a Th1 response, whereas others will have a Th2 response! The balance of adrenal steroids, notably
cortisol and DHEA, determines the ratio of these two. Since cortisol is an antagonist of DHEA (and vice
versa), stress-induced cortisol production shifts the number of CD4+ lymphocytes to predominantly Th2
expression. Excess cortisol also impairs liver detoxification, allowing buildup of environmental and
physiological toxins. “Thus, even a potentially Th1-inducing virus may fail to induce Th1 during a time of
stress”—Lancet, 1997, Volume 349, pg 1832.
When Th1 is diminished, Th2 predominates leading to a host of chronic diseases. Conditions are pro viral, pro
Candida. As long as this bias exists, the chronic viral infection, whether measles or other, cannot be cleared.
Additionally, and somewhat frightening are the studies that show when the Th1 is suppressed, viral infections can
mutate (especially if selenium deficient) and a relatively harmless virus will become virulent enough to overcome
the ineffective Th2 system and cause serious illness or death! Furthermore, Candida can enhance Th2. This
increases IgE, causing Candida to really flourish. An IgE reaction can cause an immediate reaction, hives, itching,
or throat constriction, that can be life threatening; so, keep a box of Alka-Seltzer Gold™ on hand for it will often
stop a reaction (1 tablet age 6-12, two tablets 12 and up). The Th1 (cellular) response is the most important in
controlling Candida. Studies show an increase in Th1 cells and activity is associated with enhanced yeast
clearance. When a healthy individual develops a compromised cellular immune response, there is a strong
likelihood of developing a yeast infection that will be resistant to antifungal therapy. One will likely also begin to
react to mold. When the cellular immune function is repaired, Candida overgrowth tends to disappear. Removal of
mercury is one example of this. Modulating the immune function with Ambrotose AO™ and Phyt•Aloe®
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from Mannatech, Inc., the use of a thymus glandular and a good multivitamin/mineral supplement to
support the thymus, supplemental vitamin E and fish oil, and the use of Transfer Factor all support the
return to Th1 dominance and control of Candida and viruses. Direct action against Candida, viruses, and
bacteria to reduce their load is also highly desirable. People in Asia have been treating Candida using just one
teaspoon of sea salt to 1/2 glass of water plus some citric acid and/or vitamin C. It reverses Candida in many cases.
Taking pure lemon juice without sugar is also alkalizing and will not make Candida worse. Please, make every
effort to balance and support the immune system as outlined herein!
One of the things primarily responsible for maintaining the balance between Th1 and Th2 is a healthy
balance of gut microflora. When beneficial microflora are depleted or destroyed you’re going to become
more Th2 dominant, and have more tendencies towards allergies, and asthma. A strong presence of IgE
in the blood is evidence of prominent Th2 activity and of a deficiency of vitamins B6 and E. Elevated
IgE is associated with a history of numerous allergies. Often, the detrimental effects of Candida are from
an allergic reaction to the yeast as well as from a reaction to its toxins. Additionally, Yeast also produces
serotonin and may interfere with normal neuroregulation (excess serotonin). - Candida albicans As a
Producer of Serotonin. Sokoloff, etal., Growth, 1967;31,297-300. Antifungals alone may not overcome
the problem until Candida extract is administered. Allergies are indicative of an overactive (reactive)
immune system. So, if you have high IgE, suspect that Candida and stress are at work, and supplement
zinc, vitamin B-complex, and vitamin E. IgE mediated allergies have disappeared with removal of
mercury. “The authors concluded that thymus extract was useful in modulating IgE dysregulation in
atopic children” (Cavagni 89). Other studies have shown a general improvement in the overall condition
of atopic children receiving thymus extracts (Kouttab 89, Kaliuzhnaia 90). The addition of calcium and
vitamins A and D and K2 are indicated where there is asthma and allergies. These three vitamins work
together also to prevent tooth decay, and to heal existing caries!
Stress is a major factor in the Th2 skew, and is considered a major cause of depression. Any type of stress
raises a hormone called cortisol and a secondary hormone called epinephrine (adrenaline), your stress
hormones, and this will make you more Th2 dominant and more prone to allergic type situations. Cortisol
will put a “tire” of fat on the belly and hips, and, in excess, it damages and kills neurons by the billions. It
also decreases levels of growth factors needed for brain cells to thrive, and it reduces levels of serotonin
needed to promote neurogenesis (growth of new neurons). A diet high in refined carbohydrates is going to
alter the slow hormonal collective that includes cortisol, epinephrine, and insulin and create Th2 dominance.
Adrenal exhaustion will promote a cytokine shift from Th1 to Th2. Additionally, there are chemicals and
heavy metals, such as mercury, that will make you more Th2 dominant. To reduce stress-produced cortisol
by 47%, give the child 100-200 mcg of chromium each day (200-400 mcg for adults). A 45-minute
massage (back rub?) will give a like reduction. Chromium alone may not be effective without adequate
niacin being present, so supplement niacin also. Solaray, Inc. makes Chromiacin™ that also eliminates the
infamous niacin flush. Magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, and pantothenic acid also reduce cortisol and should
be supplemented. In case you missed it, this is saying reduce stress, or how you relate to it, take 200 mcg of
chromium with niacin, with magnesium, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, B6, and C, and support the
adrenals.
One study shows that glutathione levels in antigen-presenting cells determine whether Th1 or Th2 response
patterns predominate. “Raising glutathione levels has been shown to alter the cytokine balance in favor of a
Th1 immune response”—”The immune system”, Peterson, JD, et al., 1998. A new way to increase glutathione
quickly is with a transdermal lotion from Kirkman. Another interesting way has been developed to aid those
with respiratory problems. Doctors at the Tahoma Clinic have observed remarkable improvements in many
with chronic bronchitis or with emphysema who used 60 mg of nebulized, inhaled glutathione two times daily.
55
If you have a problem metabolizing sulfur, supplementing glutathione may cause your body to accumulate too
much sulfite, creating a wheezing symptom, among others (a supplement of vitamin B6 and molybdenum
should alleviate that). It can also overload one with cysteine, and that is very toxic. For an appointment with a
physician at Tahoma Clinic, call (253) 854-4900. For a doctor in your area, inquire at (800) 532-3688.
Furthermore, to reverse emphysema and bronchitis supplement Retinoic acid (vitamin A).
Additionally, when patulin, a sulfhydryl-binding chemical that conjugates glutathione rendering it unavailable for
monochlorobimane (mBCl) interaction, was applied to cells that were treated with the glyconutrient Ambrotose
AO™ by Mannatech™, the glyconutrients protected the cells from glutathione depletion. This shows the potential
of glyconutrients to not only increase glutathione production as reported elsewhere, but to protect it from loss
leaving twice as much glutathione available—Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research,
November 1997, Page 14. Do you recognize the significance of this? Mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic are
sulfhydryl-binding agents that destroy glutathione! Ambrotose AO™ by Mannatech™ protects against the loss
of glutathione by as much as 50%! Additionally, glyconutrients “…boost the workings of the immune system,
including increasing the production of the enzyme glutathione synthetase in cells, which, in turn, produces the
powerful antioxidant, glutathione.” “…adding glyconutrients can protect kidneys from the damage that
antibiotics sometimes cause, particularly in immune-compromised or older adults.”—”Sugars that Heal” by Dr.
Emil I. Mondoa, MD.
The sulfhydryl-reactive metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic) are particularly insidious, and they can
affect a vast array of biochemical and nutritional processes. Metals not only have strong pro-oxidative
effects but they inhibit antioxidative enzymes and deplete intracellular glutathione. They also have the
potential to disrupt the metabolism and biological activities of many proteins due to their high affinity
for free sulfhydryl groups—Cysteine Metabolism and Metal Toxicity by David Quig Ph.D. Despite
considerable overlap in symptoms associated with accumulation of these metals in the body, it is clear
that the metals do vary somewhat with respect to primary sites of deposition. For example, Hg and Cd
are deposited heavily in the kidneys; however, unlike Hg, Cd does not readily cross the blood brain
barrier in adults and, in contrast to Hg, Cd is associated more with peripheral neuropathy than disorders
of the central nervous system. Lead is deposited primarily in bone, and disrupts erythropoiesis
(formation of red blood cells). Methyl mercury has a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups, which
contributes to its effect on enzyme dysfunction.
Cadmium (major source is white flour products and cigarette smoke) targets the kidneys causing, among other
things, generalized wasting of amino acids and deficient metabolism of vitamin D leading to rickets and
osteomalacia. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance, so, if there is very little fats and oils in the diet, the
absorption of this vitamin will be very poor. When fat absorption is poor, the amount of vitamin D absorbed
will also be poor. Vitamin D is absorbed only in the presence of bile, and absorption occurs in the duodenum,
so if the stool is light in color, vitamin D will not be absorbed well. Additionally, studies show that increasing
vitamin A intake interferes with the body’s absorption of vitamin D; so, one must ensure adequate intake of
vitamin D in all these circumstances. Adults, especially those living North of the 33rd parallel, must take 2000
to 4000 IU vitamin D daily. The higher figure is for those over age 40. Children receiving 2000 IU of vitamin
D supplementation from age one had an 80% decreased risk of developing type-1 diabetes. Getting your
vitamin A and D from cod-liver oil solves the problem. Nevertheless, recent research shows that the active
form of the vitamin D hormone (1,25 D) is present in excessive levels relative to the inactive 25 D form in
patients diagnosed with a number of inflammatory illnesses, such as certain autoimmune illnesses, sarcoidosis,
chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and Lyme disease. Evidence suggests that
this is due to unregulated production of 1,25 vitamin D by macrophages in the course of an excessive Th1
immune response. Research indicates that this occurs in response to cell-wall deficient forms of bacteria
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parasitizing immune cells and other tissue. It may be wise to test both forms of vitamin D and calculate the D
ratio (1,25 D:25 D) if any inflammatory autoimmune condition exists. Additionally, women who took a lot of
vitamin D, but had a low intake of vitamin K, doubled their risk of hip fracture!
Hypervitaminosis D symptoms include: fatigue, weakness, mood changes, insomnia, inability to
concentrate, sleepiness, irritability, feeling of intoxication, metallic taste, difficulty swallowing, muscle
and joint pains, and a number of other symptoms.
One enzyme that is inhibited by heavy metals is choline acetyl transferase that is involved in the final step of
acetylcholine production. There has been observed a marked decrease in acetylcholine often reaching less than
one fifth of normal concentration contributing to the signs and symptoms of motor dysfunction. This probably
accounts for the report that 70% of autistic children show high choline. Cadmium also appears to inhibit
sulfhydryl-containing enzymes so that relatively low doses depress levels of norepinephrine, serotonin, and
acetylcholine. The major consequence of reduction of acetylcholine in the hippocampus area is a short-term
memory disturbance. This can become a major source of incomplete understanding of communication with other
people, which may contribute to illogical, antisocial, and irritable behavior. The main cause of the reduction of
acetylcholine is a result of the abnormally accumulated, excessive deposits of metal such as Al, Pb, and Hg. When
these metals were removed, acetylcholine suddenly increased towards a normal level, and often increased to more
than two or three times the pre-treatment concentration—Abnormal Deposits of Al, Pb, iron, and Hg in the Brain,
particularly in the Hippocampus, as One of the Main Causes of Decreased Cerebral Acetylcholine,
Electromagnetic Field Hypersensitivity, Pre-Alzheimer’s Disease, and Autism in Children...Source:
Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, 2000, Vol. 25 Issue 3/4, p230, 3p. Author: Omura, Yoshiaki AN:
5974837 ISSN: 0360-1293. Supplementing choline to enhance acetylcholine (using lecithin) may be
contraindicated in seizure prone children.
EMF exposure from electrical power lines, telephone relay stations, cell phones, air travel, fluorescent lights,
computer terminals, and household appliances have been found to cause high levels of stress. According to Dr.
Hans Selye, eighty percent of illness in high-tech societies is stress related accounting for up to 90% of doctor visits
and 50% of absenteeism from work. Parents of special needs children are stressed to breaking, as are the children
themselves. During stress reactions the gut is passively permeable for many substances that are normally rejected.
For example, oral adrenalin and histamine are toxic to an animal under stress, but are not normally toxic. Horse
serum, given by mouth, is sensitizing when an animal has first been stressed, but normally it is not. Endogenous
metabolites that do not normally produce immune reactions will do so under stress (Selye, 1950). A new study
shows that 60-hertz signals from these common household appliances damage DNA of the brain, even breaking
both strands! Glutathione levels are reduced by EMF, and the heart rate is also affected adversely. EMF-microwave
stressors weaken the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Tests were also made on cell phones. Researchers were
surprised to see that the EEG of teens was affected adversely for eight hours after only a few minutes conversation
using the phone. Tests show that using the phone in the evenings will disrupt normal sleep patterns! ONLY a
microwave gives a stronger milligauss output, and we foolishly hold that tiny destructor to our ears for hours! Thus,
EMF stress causes fatigue, sleep problems, and even coagulation of the blood cells (easily seen in live-cell
photography) reducing circulation. Even the activity of white cells is affected adversely. Hand-held computer games
produce frontal lobe abnormalities, while media and video games affects behavior, violence, and suicide.
Researchers gave some rats drugs that either neutralize free radicals or decrease free iron before exposing
the animals to the electromagnetic field. Both treatments effectively blocked the effects of the fields and
protected the rats’ brain-cell DNA from damage! It seems that one should enhance glutathione production and
continuously detoxify heavy metals with cilantro, cellulase, garlic, melatonin, zinc, glutathione, and selenium, and
supply a significant antioxidant supplement like Ambrotose AOR and Phyt•Aloe® (that also enhance GSH and
cleanses). To enable taking of garlic, mince a clove or two and mix it into a small glass of orange juice. This avoids
breath odor that occurs when chewed, and covers the taste as well.
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The result of the above mentioned loss of acetylcholine is to create a relative excess of dopamine. Cigarette smoke
(including secondhand smoke) reduces MAO (B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine and other chemicals,
compromising the ability to deactivate potentially harmful substances. Additionally, zinc and magnesium deficiencies
can lead to a significant elevation in brain catecholamines. (Studies in animals have shown that a magnesium
deficiency causes a depletion of brain dopamine without affecting brain serotonin and norepinephrine.) Anything that
enhances insulin production (high carbohydrate/sugar intake) induces the release of dopamine and NE from the
hypothalamus. Additionally, when we eat a lot of sugar, the body transfers the amino acid tryptophan from
the blood stream into the central nervous system where it is converted into serotonin. Continued high, daily
use of sugar (including fruit juices) can result in a chronic state of serotonin and dopamine excess resulting
in irritability. The result may be an out-of-control, panic-stricken child suffering Environmental (Exposure) Anxiety.
This behavior is often dramatically controlled by ¼ to ½ mg Risperdal™, continued use of which may damage the
liver. It’s better to build acetylcholine, though this may be difficult in view of cadmium suppressing the needed enzyme.
DMAE may be the most effective choice of supplements. Dopaminergic dysfunction may also be the primary
biological of ADHD. Iron serves as a coenzyme in the synthesis of dopamine, so iron deficiency may be partly related
to symptoms in patients with ADHD and autism. Iron deficiency may have more pronounced central nervous system
(CNS) effects because iron in the CNS is bound to ferritin, which decreases with iron deficiency anemia that is
common in autism, being related to hypothyroidism. Additionally, copper enzymes form vital neurotransmitters, such
as dopamine and norepinephrine. The brain, other than the cerebellum and hypothalamus, has these transmitters
decreased 30% to 60% in various sectors by a copper deficiency [Feller 1983]. Elsewhere, in this paper, I have
indicated how to increase acetylcholine production. So, why not supplement totally safe vitamin B6, magnesium, and
zinc, with iron and copper (if needed), and other nutrients instead of using liver-toxic Risperdal™? An interesting
observation: the blink rate varies with the amount of dopamine; less dopamine means fewer blinks! The average
number of blinks is 15-30 per minute. Do the test when not focused on anything. Supplement tyrosine and vitamin B6
with less than 20 blinks.
Another protective factor is mentioned in this excerpt: “We injected rats intramuscularly with lead acetate (10
mg/kg body weight) daily for 7 days, which significantly abolished heme synthesis as evidenced by decreased
blood hemoglobin, liver delta-aminolevulinic acid synthetase, erythrocytic delta-aminolevulinic acid
dehydratase, and hepatic iron content. These effects were accompanied with marked elevation of hepatic lipid
peroxidation and decreased enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase,
superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as total sulfhydryl groups and
glutathione. Furthermore, lead treatment (injections) caused hepatic deficiency in copper and zinc accompanied
by a significant elevation of lead concentration in both plasma and liver. Daily pretreatment with melatonin (30
mg/kg body weight - these amounts should be used only under medical supervision) intragastrically (orally)
prevented the suppressive effects of lead on heme-synthesizing enzymes and iron deficiency. In addition,
preadministration of melatonin reduced the inhibitory effect of lead on both enzymatic and non-enzymatic
antioxidants. This was accompanied by marked normalization of lipid peroxidation and modulation of copper and
zinc levels in liver”—J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2000;14(1):57-62 Prophylactic effect of melatonin on lead-induced
inhibition of heme biosynthesis and deterioration of antioxidant systems in male rats. El-Missiry MA. Department
of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt. Elsewhere, in this paper, the protective effect of
melatonin in mercury poisoning is mentioned. Zinc in adequate quantities keeps lead from being absorbed, and
melatonin aids in zinc absorption and normalizes zinc levels..
Melatonin metabolizes hydrogen peroxide radicals by stimulating the production of glutathione peroxidase and
glutathione reductase. It is known that melatonin binds mercury and inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha, thus
enhancing production of vital sulfates. It enhances growth hormones, reduces blood pressure, and decreases
cortisol levels. Another abstract with no title credits says in part: Recent data indicate that melatonin inhibits brain
glutamate receptors and nitric oxide production thus suggesting that it may exert a neuroprotective and anti58
excitotoxic effect. Melatonin given in the drinking water has increased life-span in various experimental animals
by about 20%. It also helps control the onset of puberty during adolescence. This can be most helpful in these
troubled children.
Stressed-out Mothers, please take serious note: all women, in particular those who had shown individual, low
night-levels of melatonin in their saliva, had a very remarkable improvement of latent and unsuspected conditions
of low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). In fact, a significant increase of the active thyroid hormone
triiodothyronin (T3) was observed in all women independent of their night levels of melatonin, and to a minor
extent independent of its precursor thyroxin (T4). The effect of melatonin does not depend on pituitary TSH
(thyrotropin stimulating hormone), but on the direct effect of melatonin on the thyroid gland (conversion of T4
into T3, the active hormone). In the course of six months, evening administration of three mg melatonin produced
a clear-cut decrement in blood of the pituitary leutinizing hormone (LH) (which increases progressively in the
course of aging). This was most noticeable in the younger women (43 to 49 years of age). Therefore, the recovery
of pituitary function to a more juvenile pattern of regulation is more pronounced and rapid in younger women.
This equaled an arrest and even a reversal of brain aging and restoration of reproductive functions in the women
taking evening melatonin. Previous studies with laboratory animals had shown that evening administration of
melatonin in senescent animals, as well as transplantation of a young pineal into old animals, produces a true
reversal of sexual decay. Finally, 96% of women who had taken melatonin, declared a total disappearance of
morning depression, which is typical in perimenopausal and menopausal women. The earier the introduction of
this protocol, the more effective it is.
“Our findings have been elaborated and have recently been published. Nocturnal melatonin alone can deeply
modify the hormonal and psychosomatic conditions in the perimenopausal years, which can extend from 40 to 60
years of age. Here we only mention what is published in an official scientific journal, to inform all women about it
in order to alleviate the countless problems they face daily in family and society. Menopause is simply the end of
the hormonal ‘fertility program’ of women, but this program is perfectly amenable to modification. It is not true
that ‘the ovaries are depleted!’ They simply atrophy according to their ‘genetic program.’ But the expression of
that program is purely hormonal, and we can restore the juvenile hormonal control of the ovaries. Certainly the
juvenility and health of women are linked to the maintenance of a juvenile hormonal status, which can be
supported with nocturnal melatonin administration. In perimenopausal women, melatonin, in the most striking
fashion, reconstitutes the juvenile hormonal conditions and produces a rapid regression of all the neurovegetative
and psychic alterations of menopause, in particular the states of nervousness, anxiety, and depression. In addition,
we can now address the issue of an impressive combination of melatonin with zinc. Zinc is a basic mineral in the
body and essential for the function of over 200 enzymes that are fundamental for the respiration of all cells in the
body. The combination of melatonin and zinc dramatically accelerates the effects of melatonin and boosts a
depressed immunity. This is all documented. The answer to our queries is clear, simple, and strictly scientific.
Nocturnal administration of melatonin can resynchronize the entire hormonal system and, by protecting the pineal
from aging, can maintain the juvenility of the pineal and its capacity to synthesize other very remarkable
molecules. This is all published in excellent scientific journals. Nothing I have stated is casual or extemporized! “Dr. Walter Pierpaoli, MD.
A recent study showed that NO autistic patient had a normal melatonin (MLT) circadian rhythm! Moreover, autistic
children showed significantly lower mean concentrations of MLT, mainly during the dark phase of the day, with
respect to the values observed in the controls (causing sleep problems for sure). CONCLUSION: The results of this
preliminary study suggest the existence of a pineal endocrine hypofunction in autistic children—Neuro Endocrinol
Lett. 2000;21(1):31-34. Methinks every child and his Mom should take 1-3 mg melatonin whether he has a sleep
problem or not!
While on the subject of melatonin, this abstract is so vital that I quote it in its entirety:
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Neuropsychopharmacology (2007) 32, 284–288. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301093; published online 10 May 2006
Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain and Increased Visceral Adiposity is Blocked by Melatonin Replacement Therapy in
Rats
Murray A Raskind1,2, Brianna L Burke2, Norman J Crites2, Andre M Tapp1,2 and Dennis D Rasmussen1,2
1VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
2Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
Correspondence: Dr DD Rasmussen, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 116MIRECC, 1660 S Columbian Way,
Seattle, WA 98108, USA, Tel: +1 206 277 3370; Fax: +1 206 768 5456; E-mail: drasmuss@u.washington.edu
Abstract
The atypical antipsychotic drug olanzapine (Zyprexatm) increases body weight and visceral adiposity in
schizophrenia. In rats, aging-associated increased body weight and visceral adiposity are reversed by
administration of the pineal hormone, melatonin. We asked if melatonin similarly would reverse olanzapineinduced increased weight and visceral adiposity in rats. Four groups (n=11/group) of female rats (240–250 g) were
treated for 8 weeks with olanzapine, melatonin, olanzapine+melatonin, or vehicle alone in drinking water. Body
weight and food and water consumption were determined weekly, locomotor activity at weeks 3 and 6, and
nocturnal plasma melatonin concentration at week 7. At week 8, the rats were killed and visceral (perirenal,
retroperitoneal, omental, and mesenteric) fat pads dissected and weighed. Olanzapine treatment reduced nocturnal
plasma melatonin by 55% (p<0.001), which was restored to control levels by olanzapine+melatonin. Body weight
increased 18% in rats treated with olanzapine alone, but only 10% with olanzapine+melatonin, 5% with melatonin
alone, and 7% with vehicle control. Body weight and visceral fat pad weight increases in rats treated with
olanzapine alone were greater than in each of the other three groups (all p<0.01), which were not significantly
different. These results suggest that olanzapine-induced increases in body weight and visceral adiposity may be at
least in part secondary to olanzapine-induced reduction of plasma melatonin levels, and that melatonin may be
useful for the management of olanzapine- (and other psycotic drug) induced weight gain in humans. End of
Abstract.
Additionally, a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota (Dr. Shalamar Sibley)
found that overweight people have better success in losing weight when their vitamin D levels are in highnormal range. Vitamin D, in conjunction with calcium and sunlight, helps to properly assimilate food and
regulate normal blood sugar levels. When there is a lack of calcium, oftentimes due to a vitamin D deficiency,
the body increases production of synthase, a fatty-acid enzyme that coverts calories into fat. Calcium
deficiency can cause synthase production to increase by up to 500 percent, explaining the correlation between
low levels of vitamin D and obesity. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet, it appears that
supplementation with vitamin D helps to promote increased weight loss among those whose levels are low to
begin with. For each nanogram per milliliter increase in vitamin D precursor in the blood, it was observed
that an extra half-pound loss in weight was achieved while on the diet plan.
Metals like mercury have a toxic effect on the heme biosynthetic pathway also. This pathway can be examined
and its disruptions interpreted to indicate toxin exposures. Regulatory heme is increased by vitamin A,
melatonin, and zinc. It is decreased by exposure to gasoline, benzene, mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Heme is synthesized primarily in the liver, the red blood cells, and blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. A
necessary facilitator of Cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver detoxification enzymes, heme is made deficient by heavy
metal poisoning which lowers p450 levels and decreases ability at the cellular level to clear chemicals and drugs,
especially those concentrated in the liver and kidneys.
Reduced heme likewise affects other metabolic pathways in the body through depleted p450. Those who
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suffer from various types of Environmental Illness and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities will exhibit
symptoms of porphyrin excess and reduced p450 activity. Those struggling with mercury poisoning, in
particular, will be similarly affected. “Persons with a metallothionein disorder are especially sensitive to
toxic metals, and overmethylation is associated with severe chemical sensitivities. Effective treatment
requires a three-part approach: (1) avoidance of additional exposures, (2) biochemical treatment to hasten
the exit of the toxic substance from the body, and (3) correction of underlying chemical imbalances to
minimize future vulnerability to the toxic material”—Dr. Wm. Walsh.
Some of the vitamin and mineral cofactors required for cytochrome P-450 mediated reactions include riboflavin,
niacin, magnesium, iron, and a number of trace minerals. One Mom reports that the almost day-to-day fluctuation
between good and bad days (depending on the severity of his dark circles) was from apparent chemical sensitivity.
“I gave him 1,500 to 2,000 mg. of niacinamide divided into several doses during the day. It has been a godsend.
We have gone three straight weeks without any fluctuation, no dark circles, and more importantly, none of the
“off” and spacey behavior that were his biggest problem”. This may not require that much, so start smaller and
increase until desired results are received. Niacinamide was the treatment of choice for Pyrroluria before Dr.
Pfeiffer showed the need for vitamin B6 and zinc. Reduced antioxidant defense may characterize a group of
individuals who are demonstrably more sensitive to the effects of a range of toxic chemical exposures, and may
shed light on increasing rates of related learning and behavioral disorders. A small, follow-up group of children
have benefited markedly when their impaired antioxidant defense was restored. Niacinamide is used to
demethylate the overmethylated.
“Acemannan® (Manapol®), and reishi mushrooms among others, have been shown to increase the enzyme
glutathione synthetase, which in turn produces the powerful antioxidant glutathione (providing the substrates
glycine, glutamine, and cysteine are available—WSL). Acemannan® (from aloe) improved food digestion and
absorption and enhanced ‘good’ bacterial flora in the digestive tract by reducing yeast and pH levels”—Sugars
That Heal, Dr. Emil I. Mondoa, MD. “This aloe extract (that is found in Ambrotose® and Ambrotose AO™ by
Mannatech™) also significantly inhibits superoxide anion formation. This is one type of free radical that can have
dangerous effects on the fragile DNA in our cells”—Kim, HS et al. In Vitro Chemo-protective Effects of Plant
Polysaccharides, Carcinogenesis, Aug 1999, 20:8, 1637-40.
In addition to stress-induced, immune suppression, the body’s natural defense system is also susceptible to stressinduced malnutrition. When the body begins to suffer from stress-induced malnutrition, the cells of the immune system
are deprived of critical nutrients necessary for their function. In addition to the macronutrients, myriad micronutrients
that include zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, E, and B6, the amino acids glutamine, cysteine, and arginine, and proper
ratios of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are known to be necessary for a functional immune system. Observations
indicate that Fatty Acids (FA) can modulate immune responses by acting directly on T-cells, and suggest that alteration
of cellular FA toward Omega-3 may be a worthwhile approach to control inflammation that often tends to cancer.
Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in childhood is vital and has been shown to play a role in preventing ADHD and in
improving learning and academic performance. The polyphenols found in extra-virgin olive oil have been shown to
significantly increase levels of vitamin E indicating that they improved antioxidant defense systems. This had marked
effect on cholesterol as it decreased LDL oxidation and improved HDL levels. Taking adequate amounts of both oils
(cod-liver and olive) showed a synergistic benefit in anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, fatty acid imbalance
contributes to reductions in peripheral nerve conduction velocity and blood flow. Without proper blood flow, neurons
begin to die. This imbalance may be corrected by a supplement of GLA (Omega-6 fatty acid found in Evening
Primrose Oil). Blood flow improvement to nerves increased by 34.8%, but when combined with antioxidants, the
result was a synergistic 72% improvement!
It is vital to note that MMR vaccine, and the chronic measles infection so often following, depletes the body of vitamin
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A, and like all vaccines, reduces blood flow to some brain areas that are being damaged by the vaccine effects. In fact,
recent work has shown that children and adults with severe infections may excrete substantial quantities of vitamin A in
the urine, whereas healthy subjects excrete little or no urinary vitamin A. The cause of such urinary losses appears to be
impaired functioning of the kidney tubular epithelial cells, which normally reabsorb vitamin A during severe infections.
This phenomenon may help explain the longstanding observation that severe infections often precipitate clinical
vitamin A deficiency (xerophthalmia) in young children with marginal vitamin A stores. In addition, vitamin A
deficiency impairs certain aspects of the immune function; in particular, the secretory IgA response is dramatically
impaired. A deficiency of vitamin A and zinc hinders cell-mediated immunity (Th1), and “our” kids are universally
lacking in these vital nutrients (vitamin A requires zinc for its mobilization [Ogiso et al, 1974]). Scrimshaw, et al. (1968)
reviewed over 50 studies of infection and nutrition and wrote, “No nutritional deficiency in the animal kingdom is
more consistently synergistic with infection than that of vitamin A”. In South Africa, it was found that injection of
200,000 units of vitamin A reduced near 50% measles-vaccine deaths to virtually zero. Children with vitamin A
deficiency are more susceptible to the effects of DDT, hydrocarbon carcinogens, and PCBs.
Additionally, the Australian, Archivide Kalokerinos, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., noted for his work among the
Australian aborigines, reduced an infant-morality rate from near 50% to virtually zero. Noting features of
scurvy among some of the infants and children, and observing that many deaths followed vaccinations, he
hypothesized that the vaccinations provoked death by throwing the infants into fulminating scurvy. Based
on these observations, he improved the nutrition of the children, provided generous amounts of vitamin C,
and avoided vaccines when children were ill with colds or other infections. As a result of this work he was
awarded the Australian Medal of Merit in l978. You would be wise to provide your child a high intake of
vitamins A and C before contemplating any vaccination and to restore the child that has been vaccinated.
Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in many infants is probably low, and the vaccines lower CMI further. One vaccine
decreases CMI by 50%, two together by 70%. Three? Yet, repeated immunizations with three vaccines
simultaneously from four weeks to 12 or 18 months are given. All these triple vaccines markedly impair CMI, yet
some uninformed doctors, solely for convenience and profit give 10 viruses into these struggling immune systems
in one sitting! Don’t let this happen to your child! The longest safety trial of the triple vaccine MMR (all live,
attenuated viruses) was three weeks!
Repeat DPT is given at 12 months. In mice, spectrally assayed cytochrome p450 was decreased by 50% for 7 days
following DTP vaccination. Phospho-sulfotransferase, a Phase II detoxifying enzyme was also decreased as was the
RNA necessary to their production. Children receiving DPT show three times as many seizures as is the norm for
children. A similar increase 3.3 times the norm occurred within four to seven days following MMR. This decrease of
p450 enzymes tends to harbor toxins within the system, leading to toxicity through a build up of heavy metals and
other poisons, including the thimerosal (mercury), aluminum, formaldehyde, and other poisons in the vaccine. Mercury
has also been found to play a part in neuronal problems through blockage of the p450 liver enzymatic process.
Cadmium has a toxic effect on many enzymes dependent on iron as a cofactor, including the cytochrome p450
enzymes (Maines, M.D., 1984). Mercury has been shown to diminish and block sulfur oxidation thus reducing sulfates
and glutathione levels which is the part of this process involved in detoxifying and excretion of toxics like mercury.
Glutathione is produced through the sulfur oxidation side of this process. Low levels of available glutathione have been
shown to increase mercury retention and increase toxic effects. Pretreatment with of a specimen with 100 microM
glutathione ethyl ester or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), but not methionine, resulted in a significant increase in intracellular
GSH. Further, pretreatment of the cells with glutathione ethyl ester or NAC prevented cytotoxicity with exposure to 15
microM Thimerosal— PMID: 15527868. If you are determined to be vaccinated with a Thimerosal-bearing vaccine, it
would be wise to take a gram of NAC before and after along with a high amount of vitamins A and C.
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The cytochrome p450 (Phase I) enzyme pathway is the only way a baby has to deal with endotoxins from the gut.
The Phase I system is one of several shut down temporarily by the DPT and other vaccines. Toxins from E. Coli
(and those of Candida), being given off when the liver is impaired by DTP, can have severe consequences, having
been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome! This is all the more likely when there is a chronic
deficiency of vitamins A and C as might be induced by a poor diet or by a chronic measles infection of the gut. No
effort should be made to eradicate bacteria and fungi, releasing as it does large amounts of endotoxins, without
ensuring the child is adequately supplied with antioxidant nutrients, particularly vitamins A and C. Use of AlkaSeltzer Gold™, bentonite clay, and charcoal is said to reduce the impact of this die-off.
“The repeated use of vaccinations would tend to shift the functional balance of the immune system toward
the antibody-producing side (Th2), and away from the acute inflammatory discharging side (the cellmediated side or Th1). This has been confirmed by observation especially in the case of Gulf War Illness:
most vaccinations caused a shift in immune function from the Th1 side (acute inflammatory discharging
response) to the Th2 side (chronic auto-immune or allergic response).
“The wise use of vaccinations would be to use them selectively, and not on a mass scale. In order for vaccinations to be
helpful and not harmful, we must know beforehand in each individual to be vaccinated whether the Th1 function or the
Th2 function of the immune system predominates. In individuals in whom Th1 predominates, the cellular immune
system is overreactive causing many acute inflammations, thus a vaccination could have a balancing effect on the
immune system and be helpful for that individual. In individuals in whom Th2 predominates, causing few acute
inflammations, but rather the tendency to chronic allergic or autoimmune inflammations, a vaccination would cause
Th2 to predominate even more, aggravating the imbalance of the immune system and harming the health of that
individual”—Philip F. Incao, MD.
Multiple vaccinations, in shifting this delicate balance to a predominant Th2 response, favor the
development of atopy (asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food intolerances) and, perhaps, autoimmunity,
through vaccine-induced, polyclonal activation leading to autoantibody production. An increase in the
incidence of childhood atopic diseases may be expected as a result of concurrent vaccination strategies that
induce a Th2-biased immune response. Additionally, studies in New Zealand showed a 4-fold increase in
asthma as a teenager in infants who had received antibiotics. Similarly, antibiotics used in the first two years
of life increase risk of allergies five-to-six fold. Feeding microflora products as yogurt or capsules of flora
may prevent this.
The literature shows an association between antiviral vaccination and onset of childhood asthma. We have
noted that attenuation of viral target by conventional vaccine preparation does not completely remove or
degrade viral nucleic acids such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is known that viral dsRNA can induce
activation of a host’s antiviral protein kinase (PKR). We have shown that activation of PKR by dsRNA leads to
expression of Th2-type immune responses, e.g., allergy and asthma—Farhad Imani, M.D., David Proud, M.D.
Recent discovery shows the gamma-delta group of T-cells are responsible for allergic responses through their
production of interleukin-4 (IL-4).
The odds of having a history of asthma were twice as great among (DTP) vaccinated subjects than among
unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 6.74). The odds of having
had any allergy-related respiratory symptom in the past 12 months was 63% greater among vaccinated
subjects than unvaccinated subjects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.54). The
associations between vaccination and subsequent allergies and symptoms were greatest among children
aged 5 through 10 years—Hurwitz, E.L., Morgenstern, H; UCLA School of Public Health, Department of
Epidemiology, Los Angeles, California. Additionally, in 1990 Pediatric neurologist Dr. John H. Menkes,
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professor emeritus at UCLA, reported on 46 children experiencing neurological adverse reaction within 72
hours of a DPT shot. Over 87% of the children reacted with a seizure, 2 children died, and most surviving
children became retarded, with 72% having uncontrollable seizure disorders.
One study published in the “Journal of Infectious Diseases” documented a long-term depressive effect on
interferon production caused by the measles vaccine. Interferon is a chemical produced by lymphocytes (a type
of white blood cell) that renders the host resistant to infection. Vaccination of one-year-old infants with measles
vaccine caused a precipitous drop in the level of alpha-interferon produced by lymphocytes. This decline
persisted for one year following vaccination, at which time the experiment was terminated. Thus, this study
showed that measles vaccine produced a significant long-term immune suppression. This suppression lays the
child open to all sorts of infections.
For example: a study published in the “American Journal of Public Health Investigators” on children who
contracted polio, a total of 1,300 cases in New York City and 2,137 cases in the remainder of New York State,
discovered that children with polio were twice as likely to have received a DTP vaccination in the two months
preceding the onset of polio than were the control children. More recently, in a polio epidemic in Oman, DTP
vaccination caused the onset of paralytic polio. The report in the British medical journal “Lancet” confirmed that a
significantly higher percentage of these children with polio (43% compared to 28% of the controls) had received a
DTP shot within 30 days of the onset of polio. The DTP vaccine suppresses the body’s ability to fight off the
poliovirus.
Usually then, the autistic child needs to boost Th1 cells. This can be done with Omega-3 fatty acids [EPA at 1000
to 1500 mg a day (two to three teaspoons of CLO), and DHA between 1500 to 2500 mg a day (3 to 5 teaspoons of
CLO or fish oil)]. Extra Virgin Olive oil contains oleic acid (four tablespoons a day of fresh oil that’s been
refrigerated) is very supportive of Th1, as is vitamin A, 25,000 IU, for adults, with a lot of carotenoids, a lot of
vegetables, carrots, and things like that, but these also contain phenolic acids that may be adverse for a phenolsulfotransferase deficient (PST) child. In addition to that, L-glutamine, 10 to 20 grams (adult) a day, will strengthen
Th1 (but could be very excitotoxic for some). Use Lactobacillus, two or three different kinds, and Bifido bifidus,
and magnesium, zinc, chromium, and silica. Those who may become pregnant should limit vitamin A to 10,000 IU
to avoid possible fetal damage in the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Scientists at Institut Pasteur de Kyoto showed lactobacilli enhanced natural body defenses in 10 healthy adults by
increasing their capacity to produce alpha interferon by 65% after two weeks and by 59% after four weeks. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved alpha interferon for use in treating certain types of cancer,
hepatitis, and genital warts.
Hepatic glutathione (GSH) is a key substrate for reducing toxic oxygen metabolites and oxidized xenobiotics in
the liver enabling their clearance from the body. Depletion of liver glutathione is a common occurrence in
TylenolTM usage and in mercury and cadmium toxicity and Leaky Gut Syndromes contributing to liver
dysfunction and liver necrosis. It has also been demonstrated that mercury (Hg) not only directly removes GSH
from the cell, but also inhibits the activities of two key enzymes involved in GSH metabolism, GSH synthetase
and GSH reductase. Hg also inhibits the activities of the free-radical-quenching enzymes catalase, superoxide
dismutase, and perhaps GSH peroxidase. Inside the cell, Hg0 is oxidized by catalase to the highly reactive Hg2+.
Once assimilated in the cell, Hg2+ and MeHg+ form covalent bonds with glutathione and cysteine residues of
proteins. GSH is thus depleted in chelating and removing these heavy metals. Many factors can affect liver
function and glutathione availability. For instance, a recent or chronic-active infection can deplete glutathione, as
does a single dose of Tylenol™. Studies have found that heavy metals, especially mercury and cadmium, deplete
glutathione and protein-bound sulfhydryl (SH) groups resulting in inhibiting SH-containing enzymes and the
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production of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide ion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. These
reactive oxygen species result in increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced excretion of urinary lipid
metabolites, modulation of intracellular oxidized states, DNA damage, membrane damage, altered gene
expression, and apoptosis. Increased fragility and decreased sulfhydryl content in cell membranes follow closely,
within 4-5 days, a decrease in plasma zinc concentration. These latter signs are readily reversible within 1-2
days by zinc supplementation.
“Cathepsin D is the predominant lysosomal protease (protein digesting enzyme within the lysosomes of a cell that
digest the old organelles allowing new ones to form) and is abundantly expressed in the brain. It plays an important
role in regulation of cellular apoptosis (programmed cell death) and has been shown to mediate apoptosis induced
by (the) cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma. Cathepsin D is involved in
apoptosis that is initiated by the oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG). It is my
hypothesis that unnatural oxidation of GSH to GSSG would also cause cell death that was not naturally induced. It
is well known that autistics suffer from oxidative stress (which leads to elevated GSSG levels and apoptosis that is
not really programmed but induced by some toxicant).” – Professor Boyd E. Haley, Ph D.
We found that cathepsin D protein expression was significantly increased in the frontal cortex, in pyramidal and
granule cells of the hippocampus, and in cerebellar neurons in autistic subjects as compared to controls. In
addition, we found that the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, while
caspase-3, a critical executioner of apoptosis, was increased in the cerebellum of autistic subjects. Previously our
studies have shown that Bcl-2 expression is decreased and the BDNF-Akt-Bcl-2 pathway is compromised in the
frontal cortex of autistic subjects, which suggested that increased apoptosis (destruction of neurons, typically
induced by the stress hormone, cortisol –WSL) may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism. Our current
finding of decreased Bcl-2 and increased capase-3 in the cerebellum of autistic subjects further supports
this suggestion. In addition, the finding of increased cathepsin D in the cerebellum of autistic subjects suggests
that, through its regulation of apoptosis, the altered activities of cathepsin D in the autistic brain may play an
important role in the pathogenesis of autism. - PMID: 19854241
“This is why I think it is important to address the oxidative stress issue in these children as well as older patients
with other illnesses. Elevated cathepsin D may just be a secondary effect of oxidative stress induced by a toxic
exposure that leads to brain inflammation.” – Professor Boyd E. Haley, PhD
To counter these high oxidative-stress loads, one must supplement antioxidants, particularly Ambrotose AOR
(Mannatech), vitamins C and E, selenium, and glutathione, and enhance the body’s production of glutathione as
outlined elsewhere in this paper. Some foods, such as avocado and asparagus, supply GSH.
The displacement of zinc in the presence of a toxic-metal burden may explain in part why increased levels of zinc are
so commonly seen in the scalp hair of patients exhibiting significant levels of toxic metals Hg, Cd, Pb (Quig,
unpublished observations). Such high zinc readings in hair tests would indicate an actual lack of systemic zinc!
Platelets from zinc deficient rats exhibit abnormal aggregation (failure to aggregate normally), a defect that
is associated with impaired calcium uptake. This is probably due to a lack of sun and vitamin D. The
evidence suggests defective calcium channels in the plasma membrane of cells. Similar observations have
been made in brain synaptic membranes from zinc deficient guinea pigs. As in the red cell, membranes
from platelets have a lower than normal concentration of sulfhydryls. Treatment of zinc deficient blood
with glutathione increases the aggregation response of platelets isolated from the blood of zincdeficient rats, bringing it back to normal.
Chelation with DMSA needs GSH or NAC to metabolize out as disulfide-bound DMSA-GSH or DMSA-NAC. If
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replacement NAC/GSH is not supplied, DMSA and DMPS (3-4 times more so than DMSA) consume available
stores of these antioxidants leaving a dangerous deficiency. In humans, oral glutathione is readily absorbed by the
gut mucosa, repleting its glutathione supply; but all remaining GSH is then broken down by the mucosa preventing
systemic absorption. This may explain why oral glutathione has been of help to autistic children even when there is
apparently little systemic absorption. This being true, one must support the body in its manufacture of GSH to avoid a
dangerous lack due to chelation. Nevertheless, given the gut dysfunction found in many autistic children, oral
glutathione at 250 - 500 mg/day may be of significant help. Additionally, a glutathione cream has become available. I
think this means of replenishment of cellular glutathione is highly desirable. Further, it seems both forms should be
used. Nevertheless, Dr. Woody McGinnis has this to say: “It is unfortunate that we have this myth about oral
glutathione not absorbing. There are many good articles on this, and just no question that it gets absorbed, and much of
it intact, and especially by the intestine, which is especially where you want it.” Other reports state that glutathione
given orally does raise GSH intracellularly in vivo. This has been demonstrated both in animals and in humans. An
oral bolus of 15 mg/kg to the human appears to raise plasma GSH two-to-five-fold, with great variability in effect
between the five subjects tested; however, in another study that used healthy, fasted subjects, plasma GSH did not rise
following oral administration of GSH. Perhaps plasma GSH is so well buffered in healthy subjects that with them, it is
difficult to influence by oral dosing.
Cysteine is deficient in a majority of Autistic children, especially younger than six, and especially before
vitamin B6 supplementation. An important point should be emphasized regarding the potential for
DMSA to contribute further to depletion. Ninety percent of the DMSA absorbed is excreted in the urine
as a cysteine-DMSA-cysteine disulfide complex. Therefore, between days of oral administration of
DMSA it is important to replace cysteine, except in those instances where the child is cysteine toxic.
Cysteine, in excess, can penetrate even a healthy, blood-brain barrier and become an excitotoxin to the
brain. Additionally, pharmacological doses of cysteine/NAC, in the range of 1500 mg daily, have the
potential to exacerbate the adverse neurological effects of toxic metals since it moves mercury into the
brain in rats. It is of interest to note that intravenous glutathione removes mercury from the brain.
Giving cysteine or too much NAC can be like an atom bomb to an autistic. The reason is that these
agents result in sudden production in the G.I tract of metallothionein that temporarily absorbs most of
the available zinc. So, while the gut is healing, the bloodstream and brain become dramatically zinc
deficient; thus the terrible response sometimes seen to NAC. MT promotion must NEVER be attempted
in a zinc-depleted person. Otherwise, you are likely to get the same terrible reaction as commonly
occurs with cysteine or too much NAC. Additionally, cysteine is probably unsafe for routine oral
administration, because when circulating in the blood, it readily auto-oxidizes to potentially toxic
degradation products. Saez and collaborators demonstrated that the highly reactive hydroxyl radical is
among the products formed from the auto-oxidation of cysteine. Cysteine also has “excitotoxin” activity
in the brain, similar to that of the amino acids glutamate and aspartate, and can be toxic to the retina.
This excitotoxicity of cysteine is completely blocked by adequate amounts of zinc! A study of patients
with Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s found a significant elevation of their cysteine to sulfate ratio
that is often seen in autism! This ratio may well be improved by a supplement of Vitamins C, B6, and
molybdenum.
Methionine, betaine (TMG), and choline enhance liver function and increase the levels of SAMe and glutathione.
In addition to the above supplements, use these that build glutathione: Mannatech Products (Ambrotose®,
Phyt•Aloe®, and PLUS), garlic, dandelion, Colostrum, Schizandra, Vitamins A, C, and E, wheat grass, whey, sharkliver oil, rice-bran extract, lysine, NAC, and SAMe. All are totally nontoxic, though NAC has some considerations
mentioned earlier. Carotenes enhance immune response and “spare” the glutathione, a Phase II detoxification
enzyme in the liver that we rely on to safely eliminate pollutants and toxins from the body. You might even want to
add, after careful testing, Pregnenolone or DHEA (both suppress cortisol), because the higher the levels of DHEA,
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within normal, the better Th1 performs.
Dr. Nestler, from the University of Virginia, has spent the last eight years doing multiple studies to show that
DHEA levels are directly correlated with insulin levels, or I should say, insulin resistance. The more insulin
resistant you are, the higher your insulin levels are and the lower your DHEA levels. He firmly believes, and
has a lot of studies to back it up, that the decline in DHEA is strictly due to the increase in insulin resistance
with age. If you reduce the insulin resistance, the DHEA rises. This is vital, for when insulin levels are elevated
you cannot produce glucagon; thus, you cannot burn stored fat for energy. The insulin stores excess calories of
a meal as fat, and locks it there! DHEA will help to burn off some of that fat and, being precursor to the adrenal
and sex hormones, will support that aspect of aging. A study found that measuring insulin levels in the blood
predicts heart attack better than any other risk factor! High, resting insulin increases arachidonic acid levels
and creates inflammation, and inflammation and the increased cytokines increase insulin resistance.
You must not allow yourself or your children to eat a high carbohydrate diet that often includes lots of sugar,
fruit juices, and soft drinks. You must eat low Glycemic-Indexed foods to avoid sharp rises in insulin levels,
and strive to reverse insulin resistance. If you cannot avoid sugar, substitute vegetable glycerine and Xylitol.
Glycerine is not quite as sweet as sugar but it is safe. It is made from coconut or palm, and it will not feed
Candida. Researchers report that 1332 IU of vitamin D per day reduced insulin resistance of diabetic women
by 21.4%! More is usually better. See information herein about reducing cytokines (Il-6 and TNF). Strength
training is more effective than aerobic exercises in this endeavor.
For you Moms struggling with perimenopausal or menopausal problems, it is not estrogen therapy you need
(the medical approach), but progesterone (usually). Progesterone (a product of the adrenas) declines first
(estrogen dominance) in the late 30s (a common cause of miscarriage) with an estrogen decline taking place,
usually in the late forties, and then testosterone declines. Progesterone declines at 120 times the rate of estrogen
decline, so the problem grows worse with time. Ask the health-store manager for information on use of
progesterone cream, or if available, sublingual progesterone (90% absorption against 15% transdermally).
Additional help can be had with the herbs red raspberry, chasteberry, black cohosh (may adversely affect the
liver of some), and/or maca. Buy only quality herbs, preferably standardized. Ambrotose AO™ and PLUS
from Mannatech are very effective in restoring this and other declining functions noted in these years. The
Indole-3-carbinol of cruciferous vegetables found in Phyt•Aloe® modulates high estrogen levels. Fresh-ground
flax seed (compound Linum Usitatissimum), but not flax oil, and magnesium will have a similar good effect.
Since fat cells are estrogen factories, the best way to reduce estrogen dominance is a life-style change that
reduces fat, especially visceral.
Vanadyl Sulfate is an insulin mimic; so, it can basically do what insulin does. It has been shown to use a different
mechanism to lower blood sugar; so it spares insulin and helps improve insulin sensitivity. To really lower insulin
levels, give 7.5 mg twice a day. More can be used short term.
Thyroid hormones, along with the retinol form of vitamin A, are needed to create progesterone; so, it may be
better to support the thyroid and use cod-liver oil as suggested herein than to supplement DHEA. Chromium
(200 mg) reduces cortisol by 47%. Vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, Panax ginseng, digestive enzymes,
Transfer Factor™, even some things called arabinogalactans and glyconutrients (AmbroStart™ by
Mannatech™), all build Th1 (enhances macrophage action and Natural Killer Cell [NKC] function). Aloe
(Manapol™—a stabilized, standardized Aloe contained in Ambrotose®), Ambrotose®, AmbroStart™,
Phyt•Aloe®, PLUS, and ImmunoSTART® (all from Mannatech, Inc.) are without peers in producing
glutathione, and in modulating this function of the immune system. Arabinogalactan is metabolized to shortchain fatty acids acetate, butyrate, and propionate and reduces ammonia production. Dr. Michael Currieri,
Ph. D., in his “Personal Story of Victory Over Tongue Cancer” tells how these Mannatech™ products
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helped his NK Cell function improve and go from 1,027 to 51,545 NKC numbers in 30 days. Further, the
anti-inflammatory effects of digestive enzymes strip away the protein camouflage of cancer cells allowing the
immune system to recognize and attack the aberrant cells.
Additionally, it is known that vitamin C (1000 mg or more) seems to suppress the Th2 system and promote
the Th1 system, which is why asthmatics on vitamin C have fewer and less severe attacks than those who
don’t take vitamin C (Trop Geogr Med 1980;32:132-7). It has also been shown that the mean vitamin C
level in patients with asthma is significantly lower than in healthy controls (Afr J Med Sci. 1985;14:115120), and that vitamin C can have a protective effect and block Exercise-Induced Asthma (Arch Pediatr
Adolesc Med Vol 151, April 1997, pg 367). Nothing is as effective in restoring Th balance and natural
breath function as is Mannatech Products.
Other than vaccines, Candida, and stress, what causes Th2 to be elevated? Faulty digestion, a leaky gut, over
consumption of glucose (sugar) and processed foods (that weakens systemic resistance to infection), transfatty acids, a
diet high in the Omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid (cut Canola™, use olive and coconut). All of these promote overfunctioning of Th2. This makes the cell membranes porous, and very vulnerable to infection. Adrenal exhaustion or a
lack of glutathione may promote a cytokine shift from Th1 to Th2. Adrenal dysfunction can lead to hypoglycemia,
increased allergy symptoms, weight gain, increased menopausal symptoms, mood swings, and mental confusion. Any
suffering allergies, including asthma, undoubtedly have three conditions undiagnosed: hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism,
and hypoadrenocorticism. These must be corrected by temporary elimination of allergens, a low carbohydrate, high
protein intake, and a supplement of nutrients chosen to support the adrenals, thyroid, and pancreas, including
desiccated, whole-adrenal glandular. If not needed, the adrenal tablets may make you feel weak. Do not use Tylenol™
(Acetaminophen™, Paracetamol™) for this will make asthma worse, and do not accept cortisone or
prednisone! Tylenol™ contains a sulfite that can cause problems with those who are sulfite sensitive (PST
deficient), and it drains the lungs and liver of their supply of glutathione within 30 minutes! Tylenol can use up
the liver’s available activated sulfate in one to two minutes, and it takes a long time to recover. Tylenol™ is the
leading cause of liver failure! GSH is the body’s principal agent for safeguarding against lung damage (Kim
2002). A study reported in the European Respiratory Journal showed that people with poor respiratory
function have insufficient GSH. GSH and sulfate are the two substances used by the liver to detoxify the
system. Do not fail to heed what you have just read! Should you feel a NSAID is necessary, use Ibuprofen™.
Should you be forced to use cortisone, moderately large doses of vitamin A have an immunostimulatory effect,
and can reverse the suppression produced by pharmacological agents such as cortisone.
Dr. Eli Selfter of Albert Einstein Medical College demonstrated that in mice under heavy stress without adequate
pantothenic acid (a B–vitamin), the adrenal glands enlarged and the thymus glands (which are responsible for proper
immune function) shrunk. Large amounts of vitamin A and pantothenic acid restored these glands to normal size!
Additionally, vitamins B6, B12, A, C, D, E, para-aminobenzoic acid, pantothenic acid, and the minerals zinc,
magnesium, and calcium aid the adrenals in conditions of hypoadrenocorticism (adrenal cortex deficiency).
Pantothenic acid (300 mg), vitamin C (2000 mg), and chromium (200-400 mcg), for adults, will support the
pancreas. The bioflavonoids will reduce allergic reactions to foods and other substances. Specifically,
magnesium and MSM reduce allergic responses. Ensure that all these nutrients are being supplied in adequate
quantities. Many find Manna-C™ from Mannatech™ to be tremendously effective in restoring normal breath
and sinus function under these conditions. Use of Mannatech’s Optimal Health Plan (Ambrotose AO, PLUS,
and Catalyst) will help significantly.
A major cause of adrenal dysfunction is sudden, extreme or chronic, prolonged stress (and our kids are
chronically stressed to breaking). We tend to think of stress as emotional, but it can be physical (e.g.,
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accidents, surgery, prolonged illness or pain, and especially a toxic liver and/or congested kidneys),
nutritional (long-term use of synthetic vitamins—especially ascorbic acid in high dosage—, deficiencies or
excesses of nutrients, and food allergies), environmental (chemical sensitivities and allergies, metal
toxicities, electromagnetic fields), thermal (prolonged excessive heat or cold), many medical drugs
(especially hormones), and overwork, all of which adversely affect the adrenals.
A toxic, congested liver leads to all kinds of health problems including the accumulating of toxic metals
mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and antimony. The person with a congested, toxic liver is usually an allergic
person. They slowly become allergic to everything, because their liver is not filtering properly! Anything
entering the blood from the gut must pass through the liver. Unmetabolized molecules that should not be there
end up in the bloodstream. The Immune system releases histamine and cytokines in reaction to these foreign
bodies. Increasingly, your body will react to just about everything, and you will become Multiple Chemical
Sensitive, exhausted, arthritic, asthmatic, and face adrenal failure if your liver is not attended. A person with a
toxic liver will have all kinds of digestive problems, bilious, nauseous, diarrhea and/or constipation, gallbladder
problems with stones, increased cholesterol, and more.
The first move is to “Unload the Donkey”. Stop poisoning yourself with a wholly, cooked-food diet of largely
processed foods, sugar, cigarettes, booze, drugs, whether street or prescription, (never take Tylenol™
[Paracetamol] as it drains all glutathione from lungs and liver within 30 minutes. Other painkillers all adversely
affect the liver), and reduce your stress load as excess cortisol is damaging to the liver. This alone may be enough
to cause the liver to bounce back as it is very resilient.
The foods that enable the liver to function efficiently contain biochemicals and enzymes that the liver uses to
rid the blood and itself of toxins. These include lots of garlic, onions, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beets
(roots and leaves), black radish, red peppers, cabbage, celery, eggplant, asparagus, eggs, organic liver, and
green tea. Those are not on your plate? Then you must take the equivalent in food supplements, like
Ambrotose® Complex, PLUS, and Phyt-Aloe® by Mannatech, or Livaplex™, Spanish Black Radish™,
Cholacol II™, and Phytolyn™ from Standard Process (available from your natural health doctor). If dealing
with Hepatitis or other serious liver condition, add ImmunoSTART® from Mannatech or Zymex Wafers™ and
Betacol™. To detoxify the kidneys as well, add Albaplex™, all from Standard Process. A frequent bath using
two cups of Epsom salts to the tub will supply additional necessary magnesium and sulfates to enable the Phase
II liver enzymes to function. A supplement of MSM and molybdenum may be helpful in generating additional
sulfates. Be aware that molybdenum and sulfate as well as vitamin C and zinc will tend to induce secondary
copper deficiency; so, unless you are copper toxic, supplement 2-3 mg copper daily. Sulphites also destroy
thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body leading to thiamine deficiency when eaten in large quantities. In the USA,
sulphites have been banned in meats in the since 1959. In other English-speaking countries, sulphites are
permitted in sausages but have been illegal in mince for many decades.
Since you are heavily toxic, and the liver is hampered in its detoxifying ability, start these supplements at the
lowest level and gradually increase to recommended amounts or you can get very sick for a short time. Old
symptoms can worsen, or long-gone ones return briefly. Rest, drink lots of water, and if necessary, reduce
amounts of supplements being consumed to keep this Herxheimer’s reaction only mildly uncomfortable. It’s
better not to overload these sluggish pathways. To protect the liver itself, supplement Phosphatidylcholine.
Cortisol (also known as hydrocortisone) is the most important adrenal hormone, having many functions
including: 1) Transporting amino acid building blocks of proteins to the liver where they are converted to
glucose; 2) Increasing blood sugar levels; 3) Decreasing the rate at which cells use glucose; 4) Helping the
body burn fats instead of glucose. If in too great supply, glucocorticoids (steroid hormones) can raise serum
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glucose levels to a point where a diabetes-like condition ensues.
Insufficient cortisol output, however, is associated with many other symptoms, including: 1) Craving sweets, soft
drinks, fruit juices, tobacco, marijuana, etc.; 2). Dizziness on standing up too fast; 3) Headaches, blurred vision,
irritability, erratic energy levels; 4) Conditions over time such as Addison’s disease, arthritis, bursitis, bronchitis,
colitis, allergies, and frequent infections. This condition is often addressed by cortisol injections, but potassium
supplementation would be a lot safer way of increasing cortisol than use of injections. Too much cortisol (common
in people in early stages of adrenal exhaustion) increases the rate at which bone and muscle mass is lost (among the
first symptoms of physical aging). Additionally, cognitive impairment, loss of brain cells, and many serious
diseases, including, it seems, diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart problems, ulcers, multiple sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa,
and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and a fat tire on your waist and hips.
To determine if you have adrenal exhaustion, have your blood pressure checked after lying quietly for five
minutes, then stand up and immediately recheck the pressure. If the blood pressure reading is lower when you are
standing, suspect reduced adrenal function. The degree to which the blood pressure drops upon standing is often
proportionate to the degree of hypoadrenalism (low adrenal function).
Cellulite is one of the signs of potassium deficiency. Raisins can help banish cellulite. Healthy adrenals need ten
times more potassium than most of us get in a day. Depending upon its size, a banana has 370 to 600 mg (370 mg
per 100 grams). That is excellent, but raisins have 763 mg per 100 gram! (Patrick Holford, UK Nutritionist.)
Supplements have only 99 mg!
Dr. Wm. Shaw reports instances of severe yeast overgrowth (indicated by high arabinose readings) causing severe
hypoglycemia and pancreas damage. He finds low blood sugar in instances of fibromyalgia where yeast overgrowth is
common. If the amino acids threonine, glycine, and serine are all low, it may indicate hypoglycemia. Yeast overgrowth
is a serious condition that Dr. Shaw has correlated with high oxalate and acetaldehyde levels that poison your child and
quite possibly yourself. Yeast also produce serotonin and may interfere with normal neuroregulation. (Candida
albicans As a Producer of Serotonin. Sokoloff, etal., Growth, 1967;31,297-300.) Restoring intestinal flora
balance must be addressed aggressively.
A “Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology” article from McGill University and the Institute Pasteur in
France says, “A new study has found additional evidence that a chemical involved in inflammation may
play a role in asthma. The study found more of the chemical known as Interleukin 9 (IL-9).” IL-9 is one of
those Th2 substances that gets overactive, suppresses Th1, and you wind up with asthma. They believe that
if you can lower IL-9 this is going to help treat, and even prevent, asthma. It says, “Interleukins have been
known to play a role in regulating the immune system, and in particular, to be responsible for causing the
early stages of inflammation.” They found that if you can lower the Th2, especially these Interleukins, and
boost Th1 with all the nutrients we’ve been speaking about, they’re going to help dramatically in the
management of a wide range of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis,
inflammatory bowel disease, AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, Candida, multiple allergies, multiple chemical
sensitivities, hepatitis, Gulf War Syndrome, cancer, and other autoimmune diseases, like autism. Just the
elimination of Candida has been found to cure a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, some asthma, joint
pains, and virtually all psoriasis.
Cytokines (hormone messengers secreted by immune cells), actively transported into the Central Nervous System
(CNS), play a key role in this immune activation. It was recently observed that cytokines activate astrocytes and
microglia cells (immune system cells in the central nervous system and brain) that in turn produce cytokines by a
feedback mechanism. Where T-cells are over stimulated, they produce large numbers and amounts of cytokines
that cause inflammation in the body, muscular pains, headaches, and often malnourishment and weight loss. The
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free radical damage to “self” is great. Rosemary Waring (2001) outlined the possibility that cytokines, which are
peptides produced in inflammatory processes, may be responsible for low sulfate levels. It was found that autistic
children often have high cytokine levels, and this would have the indirect effect of greatly reducing the production
of sulfate. Children with autism were found to excrete roughly twice as much sulfate in their urine so that they had
only 1/5 the normal level of sulfate in their bodies. (Tumor Necrosis Factor is elevated in many, which can inhibit
the conversion of cysteine to sulfate. Many enzymes are impaired when sulfate is low, and the ability to detoxify
heavy metals and phenols is severely impaired. Additionally, red blood cell formation is inhibited, reducing
oxygen to cells—WSL). Moreover, cytokines strongly influence the dopaminergic (dopamine), noradrenergic
(noradrenaline), and serotonergic (serotonin) neurotransmission. There are indications that neuronal processes can
activate the cascade of cytokines. These findings close a theoretical gap between stress and anxiety and their
influence on immunity (they greatly lower the natural-killer-cell function). “When we are fit and healthy it means
our bodies are working properly and keeping the germs and bugs at bay. It is only because the immune system
falls down that we get ill,” said Michael Endecott, research director of the Institute for Complementary Medicine
in London.
“Low plasma Cysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid that metabolizes to sulfate, is commonly seen in autism.
When cysteine is as low as reported above, it seriously limits the production of sulfates, glutathione, and
metallothionein, all dependent upon available cysteine. This results in increased oxidative stress, lowered immune
function, neurotransmitter dysfunction, vagal nerve dysfunction, accumulation of heavy metals, especially lead,
cadmium, and mercury, and viral persistence, all commonly seen in autism. Repairing this damage is key to
recovery”—Dr. Jeff Bradstreet. One must not supplement cysteine arbitrarily as it may be in excess, and that is
severely toxic, especially for the zinc deficient.
Gluten (from grains) and casein (from milk) have immune and neurotransmitter impacts. Therefore, they
have the ability to cause immune dysregulation and neurotransmitter imbalance. In experimental studies,
opiate drugs such as morphine have been found to bind to brain opioid receptors and this binding leads to
decreased glucose (sugar) utilization and decreased metabolic rate. In other words, substances that bind to
opioid receptors in the brain slow the brain down. The one finding that stands up in the brains of autistic
children is that the brain is slowed down (metabolically less active) as shown by decreased blood flow,
especially in speech areas. Chemicals in the diet that slow the brain are Barley Malt, the raw material for
making beer, and vinegar. Malt contains twenty chemicals that slow the brain, and vinegar also contains
such chemicals—Dr. Bruce Semon MD, Ph.D, Website.
Opioids decrease T-cell proliferation via the mu-receptors, and this may cause a mild, immune suppression.
Opioids can increase levels of gamma interferon also. When an opioid molecule attaches to a receptor in which
it “fits”, adenylate cyclase is inactivated leading to a decrease in intracellular Cyclic AMP (cAMP).
Magnesium deficiency reduces 3’,5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration and increases
3’,5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration, perhaps through inhibition of adenylate cyclase
and activation of guanylate cyclase. Cyclic AMP is an important messenger system in the brain and body.
When intracellular cAMP levels have been lowered because of constant (inappropriate) stimulation of opioid
receptors on the cell surface or due to a magnesium deficiency, less tryptophan hydroxylase is phosphorylated,
and therefore more of the enzyme is inactive. When this happens, tryptophan is not converted into serotonin,
but is shunted down alternate pathways, eventually leading to urinary IAG (indolyl acryloyl glycine) and 3indoleacetate. It is reported this affects 93% of autistic children. Urinary excretion of IAG in 15 normal
subjects was significantly increased in June-September against the November-April collection in the same
subjects. Elevated levels of IAG are also found in Hartnup’s and SAD (seasonal depression from darkness).
Organo-phosphate pesticides cause paralysis by inhibiting certain enzyme systems. One of these pesticides,
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Diazinon, has been shown to seriously interfere with the metabolism of tryptophan in a way that might force
tryptophan metabolism towards the IAG route. Are these pesticides contributing to the increased IAG in the
urine samples from the majority of people with autism and related disorders? In England, about 80% of
those with autism or ADD/ADHD have high IAG levels. Increased IAG could contribute to increased
intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and perhaps increased blood-brain barrier permeability. In animals, high
opioid levels cause indifference to mother and others in the family.
When a foreign substance enters the body, the immune system produces antibodies against it. These antibodies are
grouped into biological categories called immunoglobulins. There are five classes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM)
each responsible for a specific role in the immune response. Often, one or more of these classes of antibodies will
be low in number or missing. This leaves one vulnerable to disease or allergy. At the humoral level, the newborn
has low or nonexistent levels of the immunoglobulin antibodies IgM, IgE, and IgA. The neonate is born with IgG
antibodies acquired from the mother that confer protection from some specific diseases. There is a slow rise of
immunoglobulin levels after 3 months of age to levels of older children.
Immune B-cells secrete these antibodies that bind with the foreign antigen and produce red-cell lysis (disintegration),
inactivate the virus, or produce bacterial phagocytosis (consumed by macrophages). Most autistic children have
delayed allergic reactions to some foods (show high IgG), and/or immediate, strong reactions to foods, inhaled pollens,
or mold (high IgE). These allergic reactions disrupt normal immune balance and alter interleukin-2 levels exacerbating
their symptoms. IgA is normally secreted into the digestive tract in response to incoming food. IgA protects the
mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose, throat, gastrointestinal tract, ears, and the eyes. Low levels indicate mucosal
immune deficiency, serum antibody to food allergens, and autoimmune disease indicating a need of vitamin A and
colostrum. Conversely, high levels of IgA indicate bacterial overgrowth, enterotoxins, and viral infection. Findings of
elevated IgG, IgA, IgM, and decreased levels of IgE have been observed in patients with high, hair levels of nickel.
Elevated IgG and IgM levels against formaldehyde, trimellitic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, and benzene are seen.
These levels were usually higher in persons with elevated T4/T8 ratios, noted in almost 15% of the exposed patients.
A Mom writes: “My son tested positive for formic acid (formaldehyde), (extremely high levels that had to be
reported). Another doctor tested some of his patients and found trace levels in his Gf patients, higher levels in his
Gf/Cf patients, and higher levels in his non-Gf/Cf patients. He also had a few that tested negative, but their general
toxic profiles were also cleaner. We found that formic acid is used as an anti-fungal in all silage grains, even organic
grains! It could be that the GF kids were lowest because they were drinking regular milk where CLA, a naturally
occurring FA, keeps formic acid levels low. The Gf/Cf kids would then be expected to be higher.
Is Gf diet working because a formic acid (formaldehyde) source is removed? Perhaps, but grains are also
high in other anti-nutrients, lectins and phytates (IP-6), that, respectively, irritate the gut and bind nutrients.
Is Gf/Cf also removing exposure to calcium propionate (an Australian study recently proved to cause
hyperactivity and irritableness) used in breads? Formaldehyde causes sleep disorders and yet, “wrinkle-free”
sheets and pillow covers are treated with it! Formaldehyde is cleared by the Phase I liver enzymes, and
pantethine enhances a cytochrome p450 enzyme that detoxifies formaldehyde. Pantethine thus counteracts
brain fog, certain allergic sensitivities, and some consequences of alcoholism. In people with alcoholism and
Candidiasis, the enzyme fights off a toxic byproduct called acetaldehyde. This may be contraindicated in children
with PST.
Is Gf diet working because a new, but related substance, lectin, is being removed? Lectins are a class of
proteins that are found in common foods like corn, dairy, chicken, peas, bananas, beans and legumes (reduced
when soaked and cooked well-done), soy (fermenting reduces), potatoes, pomegranate, nuts, cantaloupe,
tomatoes, seafood, and grains (wheat, millet, rice, and many more – reduced by sprouting). Although these
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foods contain a variety of very healthful nutrients, their potentially dangerous lectins can be a problem unless
properly prepared. Microbes, also, carry lectins and use them for attachment to host cells. The human body
contains beneficial lectins: 1) On the vascular endothelial linings (selectins) in order for blood cells to escape
into the tissues; 2) In the liver to capture microorganisms, and 3) As opsonins, substances that coat foreign
antigens, making them more susceptible to phagocytosis (the process where immune cells digest and destroy
foreign invaders) by the white blood cells. C-reactive protein (CRP) and mannose-binding protein (MBP – also
MBL – mannose-binding lectin) are two examples of opsonins. Lectins are also called agglutinins because, in
their binding to many cell surfaces, they cause agglutination (cell clumping in the blood) and reduced
circulation.
For those not getting enough sun, take note: Mellanby routinely induced experimental rickets in puppies by
feeding them an oat diet. Epidemiological studies of human populations consuming high levels of unleavened,
whole-grain breads show vitamin D deficiency and rickets to be widespread. A study of radio-labeled, vitamin D
in humans consuming 60g of wheat bran daily for 30 days clearly demonstrated an enhanced elimination of
vitamin D in the intestines.
Lectins bind to vital sugars (or “glyconutrients” - particularly mannose, fucose, sialic acid, and nacetylglucosamine) robbing the body of these sugars and acting to either block or activate the “sugar” receptors.
They contribute to arthritis by creating a deficiency of the glycosaminoglycans, which contain glucosamine.
Further, salicylates can contribute to a deficiency of these vital sugars because they depress the body’s
synthesis of these sugars. A combination action of salicylates making one more vulnerable to lectins by
depressing xylose (a vital sugar) production, followed by the lectins binding to a now-exposed sugar is seen.
Similarly, the lack of a galactose molecule at the end of the IgG molecule exposes another glyconutrient, Nacetylglucosamine. NAG is capable of binding to mannose-binding proteins circulating in blood plasma, which
subsequently causes a cascade of inflammation reactions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A deficiency of these sugars
makes one more vulnerable to effects of lectins that are probably best described as pharmacological. Conversely,
supplementing with these vital sugars can protect against lectins by binding them before they latch on to the cell
receptors and by binding to their own receptors, preventing the hijacking of the site by lectins. Providing extra
mannose or galactose, to block the effect of MBP in the blood, will inhibit this inflammatory cascade.
Generally, comparative trials are not conducted by Monsanto’s GM (genetically modified foods) testing. One field
trial did grow GM and non-GM plants next to each other, but this data was not included in the paper published.
Years afterward, the original test data was revealed and showed that Monsanto’s GM soy had significantly lower
levels of protein, in particular the essential amino acid, phenylalanine, and of fatty acid. Also, toasted GM-soy
meal contained nearly twice the amount of a lectin—a substance that may interfere with the body’s ability to
assimilate other nutrients and cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal surfaces. Additionally, the amount of
trypsin inhibitor in cooked GM soy was as much as seven-times higher than in a cooked non-GM control!
Beware of GM-foods and particularly avoid all soy (unless fermented, non-GM varieties).
Fucose, another glyconutrient, is also depressed in RA patients. As with galactose, the less fucose, the more severe
the disease. The discoveries concerning galactose, mannose, and fucose suggest that a beneficial therapy for
rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammations would be miminizing of salicylates in the diet and ingestion of
higher levels of these glyconutrients by using Mannatech’s Ambrotose(R), the only such supplement available.
Saliva contains a hormone, epidermal growth factor (EGF), which binds to the EGF-R (receptor). So, when you
swallow saliva, you swallow a hormone (EGF) that facilitates gut healing when it binds the EGF-R. WGA (wheatgerm agglutinin) binds to the EGF-R in the gut preventing healing and mucus formation. It then passes into
systemic circulation. Once WGA is circulating in the bloodstream, it has the capacity to gain entry into any cell
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expressing the EGF-R. WGA has effects on activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, mitogenesis,
agglutination of red blood cells, activation of platelets and cell adhesion molecules, and on vascular permeability.
WGA also has several effects related to autoimmunity, allergy, and inflammation. WGA binds to several types of
mammalian cells including pancreatic-duct epithelial cells, prostatic cancer cells, arterial macrophages, arterial
smooth-muscle cells, glomerular capillary walls, and mesangial cells and tubules of human kidney. Chew your
foods well. Don’t sip a drink when eating breads.
Human serum contains antibodies against WGA and the lectins of soybean and peanut. Hence, lectins have sufficient
properties to affect the leptin (a hormone made by fat cells that regulate appetite) system indirectly through effects on
metabolism central to the proper function of the leptin system, and possibly also directly through interaction with leptin
or the leptin receptor. Leptin resistance tends to high leptin levels, increased appetite, and weight gain. On the contrary,
a high leptin sensitivity will shut down the appetite and contribute to underweight and failure to thrive.
Raw, cow’s milk is a rich source of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, the processing of milk to make
fermented-milk products will greatly reduce or destroy EGF, as it is unstable when exposed to heat, light (avoid
clear plastic bottles which causes losses of vitamin D and EGF), and acidity. By ingesting raw, cow’s milk, one
would be directly dosing with EGF, which then could compete with and displace WGA from the EGF
receptors. Further, EGF from raw, cow’s milk would facilitate gut healing leading to a reduction in the number
of EGF receptors elicited by the destructive effect of WGA on the gut lining. The net effect of additional EGF
from cow’s milk would be to impede entry of WGA into the bloodstream thereby improving vitamin D
metabolism, which in turn would reduce the incidence of rickets. The EGF in raw milk counters the rickets
producing effects of WGA from whole-wheat consumption. You see why we traditionally put milk on cereal?
When we eat foods containing these proteins, we invite lectin attachments to the structural carbohydrates (vital
sugars, and their receptors) found on the gut and immune-system cell surfaces. Our genetic make-up and state of
health will determine the lectins we are sensitive to, and how we react to them. Many people may not feel any
digestive disturbances, but that does not mean that they are not being affected for damage may be cumulative and
show up as pathology years later. Lectins attaching to the gut initiate inflammation that may express in other parts
of the body. The important point is that some of the lectins consumed in everyday foods act as chemical
messengers that can, in fact, bind to the cell-surface sugars in the gut, and in the blood and tissues, initiating an
inflammatory response. In wheat, gliadin, a component of gluten and an iso-lectin of wheat germ agglutinin
(WGA), is capable of activating NF kappa beta proteins which, when up-regulated, are involved in almost every
acute and chronic inflammatory disorder including neurodegenerative disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and
both infectious and autoimmune diseases. Because wheat has been selected for higher protein (doubling the
gluten), WGA needs more recognition as an important dietary problem. Scientific literature shows that dietary
lectins can dramatically reduce natural killer (NK) cell activity directly and through disruption of intestinal flora.
An additional secondary toxic effect of lectin, particularly PHA (found in beans), in the small intestine, which may
further reduce the efficiency of digestion and absorption of food, is a dramatic overgrowth of coliform bacteria
(Wilson et al., 1980; Pusztai et al., 1993a; Bardocz et al., 1996). The mechanism by which lectins promote
proliferation of coliforms, mainly Escherichia coli (E. coli), is not fully understood. However, it has been
established that, in relation to PHA, the bacterial proliferation arises primarily as a result of its effects on epithelial
cell metabolism (Pusztai, 1991; Pusztai et al., 1995). Indeed PHA-mediated mucus secretion, epithelial cell loss,
serum protein leakage, and reduced digestion of dietary protein possibly further aid bacterial proliferation by
providing a good source of nutrients (Grant, 1999). In consequence, the increase in bacterial numbers in the small
intestine may lead to overproduction of bacterial toxins, which also contributes to the worsening of animal health.
The fact that we possess these cell-surface sugars, such as N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, mannose, and others,
means that certain lectins that bind to those sugars (and their receptor sites) will affect us all (to different degrees).
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Lectins from the diet damage the delicate intestinal lining (the microvilli), and negatively influence gut
permeability and protein digestion.
Glucosamine and Plant Lectins in Autistic Spectrum Disorders: An Initial Report on Six Children with
Uncontrolled Diarrhoea Authors: Danczak E. MB BS BSc Dip OccH a; H. Dip a
Results: Five of the children had relief of diarrhoea, the sixth had no change in bowel habit but ate bread
containing gluten without any change in behaviour. Conclusion: Gluten contains a plant lectin that binds
glucosamine. Glucosamine also binds to potato lectin (Solanum tuberosum agglutinin, STA) in the same manner
and may protect the gut in responsive children. This is reflected in a change in bowel habit, indicating a possible
protective activity.
Researchers have long known that ingesting too much undercooked, lectin-bearing foods (especially rice and
beans) can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting (“Musta been something I ate”). What they didn’t know was how
lectins cause this food poisoning. Some lectins are resistant to cooking. As a side note, soaking beans overnight
before cooking them reduces the lectin content dramatically. Most people do not know why beans prepared this
way makes them easier to digest, but it is simply because the water-soluble lectins have been largely removed
through the changing of the water during soaking. Organic, sprouted-grain, bread products (with no added gluten)
appear to be the safest and healthiest way to reap the nutritional benefit of grain without the lectin burdens. Modern
wheat contains far more lectins, as does GMO grain products (double amounts). Work published in PloS One
shows that lectins disable GI-tract cells (as mentioned above concerning saliva), which are constantly bombarded
while digesting food, preventing them from repairing tears in cells walls caused by all the activity. Repair normally
occurs in seconds: prompted by EGF, internal membranes move up to patch the tear, the cell recovers and the onecell layer lining of the GI tract remains intact. “If those individual cells cannot repair tears, they die,” says Dr.
McNeil. “That means you have gaps in the integrity of the surface area of the epithelium (leaky gut) and you are
exposing the nasty, internal world of your GI tract to your blood supply.” The epithelial lining is a continuous,
natural barrier between the digesting food in the GI tract and the blood supply. When intact, it allows only good
stuff, like fully-digested nutrients (no peptides), to pass through.
When damage is severe enough, “Your body senses that lack of barrier function and tells you to eliminate the
entire contents of the GI tract,” says Dr. McNeil, noting that lectin’s apparent role as a natural insecticide and as a
source of food poisoning are related. “If you get vomiting and diarrhea you are going to eliminate the entire
contents of your gastrointestinal tract… And, you are not going to eat red beans again the next day, right?” The
scientist, who first identified how injured cells patch themselves, says lectin blocks this repair mechanism better
than anything else he’s seen. Interestingly, he and his colleagues showed in PloS Biology in 2006 how roughage -which includes beans -- help people stay ‘regular’ by causing more cell tears, which enables more mucus to
escape from cells, essentially greasing the GI tract. Avoid dosing with insoluble fiber like wheat bran.
That same research team, which includes Dr. Katsuya Miyake, MCG cell biologist, and Dr. Toru Tanaka,
pharmacologist at Josai University in Japan, has now shown lectin is also very good at blocking mucus expulsion
from cells. In fact, they discovered lectin’s role in stopping cell-patching and mucus release while researching
roughage. The multipurpose lectin is a powerful stain the team used to look at mucus released by cells after
tearing. They found if they used too much lectin there was no patching or mucus, just cell death.
Lectins are capable of being actively transported across the intestinal membranes into the general circulation
where they attach to sugars coating other tissues (connective, nervous, bladder, glandular) causing immune
dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Additionally, they contribute to food sensitivities (or food
intolerances), and provoke the immune system to make antibodies against them.
The effect of plant lectins transversing the gut barrier is not limited to antibody production but can also
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trigger histamine release from basophils (Haas et al., 1999). Both oral and intranasal delivery of five plant
lectins, LEA, ML-1, PHA, WGA, and UEA-1, stimulated the production of specific serum IgG and IgA
antibodies after three intranasal or oral doses. Accordingly, 16 common lectins, particularly ConA, PHA,
PSA, SNA and LCA (Lens culinaris; lentil) were able to induce human basophils to secrete interleukin-4
(IL-4) and IL-13, the key promoters of Th2 responses and IgE synthesis. Since lectins can enter the
circulation after oral uptake, they might play a role in inducing the so-called early IL-4 required to switch
the immune response towards a Th2 response and type I allergy.
Lectins are chemical messengers potent enough to initiate and aggravate existing inflammatory conditions
including autoimmune diseases (such as, thyroiditis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, fibromyalgia,
Type I diabetes, and pemphigus). Lectins affect metabolism by mimicking hormones like insulin, and
blocking digestive hormones like cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin. This leads to an increase in appetite
and impair the release of digestive enzymes, potentially contributing to weight gain (CCK is a hormone
involved in appetite control). All of the hormonal influences on metabolism are affected by insulin, and thus,
by lectins. In many people, lectins found in lentils, green peas, corn, and potatoes, but especially wheat germ
agglutinin (WGA), are known to bind to the insulin receptor giving the fat cell the same message that insulin
gives, namely to make fat. The lectin, unlike insulin, due to a lack of feedback inhibition, remains
indefinitely attached to the receptor giving the cell a constant message to make fat!
Lectins overstimulate polyamine production in the gut, which decreases the natural-killer-cell population and
contribute to bad-breath. Polyamines are endogenous growth factors that can overstimulate growth in the digestive
organs. Studies with animals that were fed lectins show increases in the size of the intestines, pancreas, and liver.
Potato lectin activates and degranulates both mast cells and basophils by interacting with the chitobiose core of IgE
glycans. Higher intake of potato may increase the clinical symptoms as a result of non-allergic, food
hypersensitivity in atopic (allergy prone) subjects. The release was inhibited specifically by oligomers of Nacetylglucosamine that bound the lectin, and correlates well with serum total IgE levels (R(2) = 0.923). - PMID:
17362264. Potato lectin also binds some bacterial cell wall oligosaccharides containing N-acetylglucosamine and
N-acetylmuramic acid.
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Some lectins induce body fat catabolism and glycogen loss, leading to depletion of the body reserves (Grant
et al., 1987, 1995). Dietary PHA (beans), for instance, induces an increase in body lipid utilization. A direct
correlation between dietary PHA and increased amounts of urinary 3-hydroxybutyrate output of rats was
observed, providing a strong evidence for the occurrence of a PHA-dependent, increased lipolysis (Oliveira
et al., 1988). The lipid depletion occurred primarily from the adipose tissues whereas little change was
observed in liver lipid levels. In contrast, the glycogen content of the liver was halved whereas the glycogen
concentration in skeletal muscle was not significantly affected (Oliveira et al., 1988; Pusztai, 1989).
According to Pusztai et al. (1998), ML-1 reduced body fat reserves, probably through depression of
circulating insulin levels.
Dietary PHA also alters the rate of muscle protein synthesis without significantly affecting the rate of protein
degradation, resulting in loss of muscle weight (Palmer et al., 1987). It is possible that PHA circulating lectin may
have interacted directly with muscle cells leading to impairment of protein synthesis (Pusztai et al., 1989).
Alternatively, this effect may have been indirect and hormonally mediated (Pusztai, 1991). Moreover,
increased concentration of urinary N (mainly urea-N) was observed in PHA-fed rats suggesting disturbances
in the protein metabolism (Oliveira et al., 1988). Increased activities of liver glutamic pyruvic transaminase
(LGPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (LGOT), indicative of increased catabolism of amino acids
in the liver, were also observed when increasing amounts of dietary PLA (Phaseolus lunatus;
lima bean) were fed to rats (Aletor and Fetuga, 1985).
In summary, dietary lectins seem to interfere with the overall metabolism of body lipids, protein, and
carbohydrate (Pusztai, 1991; Grant, 1999). Such effects may have a bearing upon hepatomegaly; if so, such
adverse effects upon this key organ would certainly contribute to the overall toxicity of dietary lectins.
Since lectins have the ability to bind to amino sugars (glycoproteins) in the gut and on the intestinal cell
surfaces, by consuming an array of these friendly sugars (no longer in abundance in our diets), which are part
of our digestive makeup, “sacrificial” molecules are present to bind lectins and keep them from sticking to our
cells, where they cause damage. Supplementing with these sugars at the start of a meal allows for the binding
of potentially harmful lectins and their elimination through the gut. Besides this all-important lectin binding,
the sugars support health in numerous other ways outlined herein.
Mucins are a family of heavily glycosylated proteins that protectively line the digestive tract; thus, they have been
called digestive gatekeepers. Saliva contains mucin, which moistens and lubricates the food we eat. The dense
“sugar-coating” of mucins makes them resistant to protein breakdown, which may be important in maintaining
mucosal barriers in the gut. Mucins protect against yeast, bacteria, and food sensitivities. Mucin has lectin-binding
capacity. It contains the sugars (mannose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine) that lectins like to stick to, including Sialic
(N-acetylneuraminic) acid. Researchers at Kumamoto University, Japan discovered that N-acetylneuraminic acid
blocks the release of histamine in respiratory allergic reactions also. Okra, a vegetable, provides a rich source of
lectin-binding, protective mucilage. It helps protect the digestive tract from lectins and harmful microorganisms.
Like the other sugars discussed above, it also helps remove existing lectins that are already attached to cells. Okra,
in combination with the proteolytic enzyme pepsin, may help clear away excess mucous formed in the digestive
tract as a result of food intolerance or food allergy, thus allowing for better absorption of nutrients. Okra is often
beneficial for ulcers, colitis, malabsorption, and other intestinal problems. It essentially helps to cleanse the intestine.
N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) is the very specific form of glucosamine that binds the disruptive lectin called
wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and the potato lectin (STA). NAG is a glycoprotein contributing to the total
glycosylation of the human body, which plays an important role in optimal body structure and biological
functions like immune regulation, inflammation, and cell signaling. This form of glucosamine is the most
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effective for lectin-binding. One of NAG’s most interesting abilities is its tendency to suppress the anti-Secretin
effects of the lectin WGA. Secretin is a digestive hormone that stimulates the pancreas to secrete pancreatic
juice. The lectin WGA has been shown to inhibit Secretin production by about 57%. However, administration
of N-acetylglucosamine completely suppressed this effect!
Fucose is capable of binding to lectins and also to microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and yeast. Fucose
receptors are favorite sugar-attachment sites on the surface of cells for Helicobacter pylori (the bacteria
responsible for ulcers and gastritis) and Candida albicans. Microbes like these must be able to attach and
anchor themselves to cells in order to become a problem. These sugars can help prevent re-infection by H.
pylorri and many gram-negative bacteria, which cause bladder infections, by flooding the bacterial, lectin
receptors, thereby preventing adhesion, the first step needed for infection. Therefore, supplementing fucose,
mannose, and NAG (found iin Advanced AmbrotoseR by Mannatech) is an anti-attachment therapy.
Recurrent infections and allergies are an indication of deficient IgA. Secretory IgA (sIgA) levels are elevated in the
presence of infection or overgrowth of unwelcome germs, but are depressed if the infection or overgrowth is excessive.
The incidence of selective IgA deficiency is 10 times higher in those with celiac disease than in the general population.
IgA protects the mucus membranes of the body; thus minimizing allergies. Comprehensive stool analysis often finds
below normal levels of Secretory IgA’s in the gut. One of the first things you want to do is to balance these Secretory
IgA’s so as to protect the first line of defense in the intestinal tract. Tribes that live mainly on animal protein have the
highest levels of IgA, and they almost never have infections according to Wolfgang Lutz who wrote the book on the
myth of carbohydrate. “Secretory IgA (sIgA) can be managed with the introduction of friendly yeast called
Saccharomyces boulardii. This beneficially raises complement activation, macrophage activity, and increases sIgA. It is
also able to prevent adhesion and development of Candida albicans. Dosing is important as too enthusiastic a
programme can have detrimental effects on behaviour.”—Dr. Mike Ash, DO, ND, in Issue 13, The Autism File (UK).
S. boulardii also protects against Clostridia difficile and cholera, inactivates bacterial toxins, inhibits diarrhea, releases
beneficial polyamines, and supports the establishment of friendly bacteria by providing a lactic-acid environment (this
is vitally important if on Gf/Cf diet); thus, it helps to restore nutrient production and absorption capacity. S. boulardii
stimulates numerous intestinal brush border enzymes to maintain normal digestive functions, secretes many factors
including enzymes that may reduce dietary protein allergies following gastroenteritis and polyamines that stimulate
brush border hydrolases, proteases, and transport carriers. It stimulates D-glucose and sodium absorption and produces
short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate and acetate that nourish colon mucosa. S. boulardii enhances the numbers of
healthful bifidobacteria in the colon while simultaneously suppressing populations of pathogenic clostridia. A highcount probiotic supplement such as GI-Pro™ (Mannatech™) or Pro-Bio Gold™ (Kirkman) would support that goal.
Some claim to get better results with Kyo-Dophillus™ (Wakunaga), a human strain of Acidophilus. Any probiotic
must have at least four-billion count and guarantee count to the expiration date. GI-ProR supplies a 4-billion count of
three bacteria, total: 12 –billion count, and guarantees potency of live bacteria to expiration date.
IgA is found at very high levels in colostrum. The use of Bovine Colostrum should be very productive in
overcoming these chronic infections and allergies, and should be preferred to repeated courses of
antibiotics. When there is active infection, take a dose of colostrum every four hours around the clock
until symptoms are fully cleared. Consistent use of colostrum for three months will normally shift the
immune function back to a normal Th1 dominance. Transfer Factor has this effect also according to Dr.
Ken Bock, MD, of Rhinebeck, N.Y.
Celiac disease, which is sometimes referred to as Celiac Sprue, Sprue, or gluten intolerance, makes it
difficult for the body to properly absorb nutrients from foods. Symptoms include various intestinal
difficulties, recurring abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, anemia, gas, tingling numbness in the legs, sores
inside the mouth, painful skin rash on elbows, knees, and buttocks, cramping, hives, joint/muscle pains and
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aches, diarrhea, and constipation, among others. Untreated, celiac disease more than doubles the risk of
contracting certain stomach cancers. It is interesting to note that diseases that can be associated with celiac
disease include lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
(IDDM), systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders. In fact, if you have
dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy, blistery skin problem), you have celiac disease. Additionally, children
with celiac disease will have pale, foul-smelling, bulky stools, and suffer painful abdominal bloating.
They fail to grow and have iron-deficiency anemia. Adults often have the same symptoms. A new study
published in the July issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology by Dr. Vincenzo Toscano and
colleagues at the Universita La Sapienza in Rome indicates that adolescent patients with celiac disease
have elevated levels of anti-thyroid and anti-pancreatic autoantibodies.
“With celiac disease, we could never understand how a big protein (peptide) like gluten was getting
through to the immune system. Now, we have the answer,” explains Dr. Fasano. “People with celiac
have an increased level of zonulin, a protein which opens the tight junctions between the cells causing
leaky gut. In essence, the gateways are stuck open, allowing gluten, casein, lectins, and other allergens
to pass into the blood. Once these allergens get into the immune system, they are attacked by the
antibodies,” adds Dr. Fasano. Research with diabetic rats supports these findings, Fasano added. In these
animals, the intestinal lining becomes more permeable before the autoimmune process begins,
suggesting that zonulin may be responsible for the onset of Type I diabetes as well. People with
untreated celiac disease are at increased risk for other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes,
connective tissue diseases, some types of thyroid disease, and hepatitis. In addition to Clostridia
difficile, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacteroides fragilis, gliaden (a component of gluten) has been found to
induce this increased level of zonulin! This understanding now replaces “cellular mimicry” or “innocent
bystander” theories of autoimmune diseases and provides for an effective way to deal with
autoimmunities.
Shan simulated the digestive process, exposing gliadin to digestive enzymes in vitro. She identified a
protein fragment made up of 33-amino acids that resisted further digestion, and whose structure was
known to be toxic. Most proteins are broken down into small peptides - two and six amino acids or
single amino acids. The study was repeated in rats and in test tubes using tissue taken by biopsy from
patients undergoing unrelated medical care. “Even with prolonged treatment (exposure to intestinal
enzymes), the peptide doesn’t lose the ability to induce the inflammatory response,” Shan said.
Looking more closely at the large gliaden fragment, they found that it was made up of smaller fragments
already known to induce human T-cells to attack the intestine. The team in Norway measured the ability
of the fragment to induce autoimmune activity. “The response by T-cells was 10 to 20 times higher than
to the smaller peptides that make up the fragment,” Shan said.
Because the fragment is rich in the amino acid proline, investigators reasoned that a peptidase (an
enzyme that breaks down proteins) with the ability to digest proline-rich chains might be able to break
down the gliadin fragment rendering it harmless to celiac patients. They have shown that this is the case
in test tubes and in rats. “We think that this mode of therapy – peptidase supplementation – may offer
hope in treating celiac sprue.” If so, it will successfully treat other autoimmune diseases. Kirkman
makes an enzyme supplement that may help.
If you are gliadin sensitive, and are off of the foods for 3-6 months, parasites can be activated that were once
hiding in the “holes” as there can be mucous plugs that prevented their identification previously. So, if a
patient gets very sick and has various symptoms after a bout of feeling great being off gliadin, suspect
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parasites and test accordingly.
One additional bit of advice: Never, ever let a child be vaccinated if he has had a recent infection/sickness, or is
prone to repeat infections with the related antibiotic courses. Early and high frequency rates of ear infection are
associated with greater severity of autism (J Autism and Dev Dis 17:585,1987). The children who have had three or
more antibiotic courses have a 4-times higher rate of adverse vaccine reaction. It is the ones vaccinated while
suffering an infection, or after a recent infection, that often regresses into autism. Be warned. It all has to do with
the immune function. Never accept a vaccine containing Thimerosal™ (don’t believe the doctor, demand to see the
insert), and never accept more than one shot per day. To pump ten viruses with the related mercury, aluminum, and
other toxins into a child at one sitting is asinine and stupid, and should be criminal!
Yeast species like Candida are known to induce immune changes and to produce neurotoxins, and most autistic
children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical
pellagra and beriberi. Additionally, an underactive thyroid generates a B-vitamin deficiency causing
homocysteine levels to skyrocket. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 will interfere with the
production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that control behavior—so normal
brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth or hypothyroidism is unlikely. However, researchers at
the Cleveland Clinic corrected thyroid function and saw homocysteine levels normalize on their own,
without any need for folate, B6, or betaine supplements. Clostridia, found in approximately 20% ASD
patients, and other harmful bacteria, also cause neurotoxic effects. These immunological changes (altered
interleukins, cytokines, histamine, neuro-hormones, and other immune factors) affect brain chemistry,
especially in the cerebellar and sensory components of the brain, and most autistic children have altered
sensory perception. Reactions to clostridial toxins in mice suggest that it enhances glutamate efflux, leading to
seizure and hippocampal neuronal damage.
Many studies show that a high level of glutamate causes motor disturbances and changes in seizure threshold.
Komulain and Tuomisto (1981) found that methyl mercury, even in low concentrations, inhibited the reuptake
in synaptic nerve endings in the brain of the neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline, and Serotonin
exposing them to destruction. This would be both excitotoxic and tend to deplete the available
neurotransmitters. The possibility of each of these imbalances should be examined, and, if present, corrected.
Taurine counteracts the actions of glutamate and cysteine sulfinic acid. Amino acid levels in plasma were
measured by amino acid auto-analyzer in 130 convulsive children. The levels of taurine, serine, and tryptophan
were significantly lower in convulsive children as compared to normal controls; in contrast, isoleucine,
homocystine, GABA, histidine, arginine, and ammonia were higher.
Drugs that block dopamine and serotonin receptors (e.g., risperidone), or inhibit serotonin transport (e.g.,
Clomipramine) have been used to treat ritualistic and self-injurious behaviors in autistic individuals. Autistic children,
particularly those with severe hyperactivity and stereotypes, were found to have excess dopaminergic activity as
measured by high levels of homovanillic acid (HVA) in the CSF (Cohen et al 1977). Excess dopamine is a vitamin B6
antagonist. In addition, autistic children lose more HVA (a metabolite of dopamine) in their urine than typical children.
Thus, it seems sensible that the administration of a dopamine antagonist such as risperidone or haloperidol to autistic
patients should result in a decrease of motor symptoms such as hyperactivity, fidgetiness, and stereotypes, thereby
facilitating behavior and learning. Chronic haloperidol treatment was able to reduce both the stereotypes, but often at
the terrible price of tardive dyskinesia. Should you choose this drug, be aware that it depletes CoQ10, glutathione, and
NADH. Supplementing Carnitine, Glutathione, and Alpha Lipoic Acid offsets the loss of NADH activity; however,
one should supplement NADH (ENADA™) as well.
A high intake of vitamin B6 and magnesium with a good multivitamin/mineral supplement would likely reduce
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incidence of tardive dyskinesia. Why rely on a drug with such devastating side effects? Furthermore, these dopamine
antagonists theoretically block receptors, thus reducing dopaminergic activity. I conclude that this is not necessarily a
sign of excess dopamine supply, but of excess or overactive receptor sites. Likewise, the excess HVA, though possibly
a sign of excess dopamine supply, may be from mercury toxicity preventing reuptake, and or a lack of vitamin B6 and
magnesium that conserve dopamine from loss at the synapse. According to a Slovakian study, PycnogenolTM works by
balancing stress hormones, which in turn lowers adrenaline and dopamine, thereby improving children’s attention and
reducing hyperactivity. In a study of 57 nine-year-olds in Slovakia, 41 patients received Pycnogenol and 16 received a
placebo for one month. Stress hormones were measured in the children before, during, and after the treatment.
Adrenaline was reduced by about 26 percent while taking PycnogenolTM, and dopamine was reduced about 10 percent.
Both rose again when PycnogenolTM was discontinued. “The findings acknowledge that children with ADHD have
dramatically elevated levels of stress hormones known to increase heart rate and blood pressure, causing excitement,
arousal, and irritability, as compared to children without ADHD symptoms.” This observation applies to autistic
children as well.
So, why rely on deadly drugs when dopamine can be controlled by diet and supplements? When anxious and fearful,
the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, or having been made predominant, anxiety is the result. The Sympathetic
Nervous System is balanced by the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The overactive Sympathetic is suppressed by
magnesium and glycine, and the diminished Parasympathetic function is stimulated by potassium. Here we see a need
for magnesium and potassium supplementation. Magnesium deficiency also keeps potassium from being replenished
in the cell. Magnesium and vitamin B deficiencies cause a reduction in the production of dopamine and it is also
wasted from the synapse. Studies in animals have shown that a magnesium deficiency causes a depletion of brain
dopamine without affecting brain serotonin and norepinephrine. A supplement of magnesium and vitamin B6 will tend
to increase dopamine production and reduce its loss from the synapse. Active vitamin B6 increases the cellular
absorption of magnesium, and, therefore, it works in concert to conserve available dopamine. The excess homovanillic
acid is a sign of mercury toxicity preventing reuptake into the neurons, and a magnesium deficiency that allows for a
greater than normal breakdown of dopamine in the synapse. A supplement of tyrosine will renew the dopamine in the
neurons, but this should not be done until the levels of magnesium and vitamin B6 have been replenished and efforts to
lower mercury levels undertaken. Since homovanillic acid is one of the amines cleared by PST enzymes,
supplementing tyrosine by a PST child might be counterproductive until this has been accomplished.
Since a major consequence of this immune imbalance is allergy, it is good to note some frequent manifestations.
“Toddlers have excessive infections. They whine, they pinch, they hit, they spit, they kick, and they bite in excess
between two and four years. They bite their siblings, their mother, in particular, and sometimes their father. They
have excessive temper tantrums. They have a lot of intestinal symptoms. They vomit clear mucous, and that
means milk allergy. They dislike being held. They say the same sentence over and over again. They’re
hyperactive, fatigued, and they have bowel problems. These are characteristic symptoms that frequently are
related to something they ate, touched, or smelled. (You can often tame the Terrible Two’s with a zinc
supplement—WSL.) Any food can cause diarrhea, but the food that’s most apt to cause constipation in any age
group is milk and dairy products. Abdominal complaints such as swelling, belching, bloating, rectal gas, that sort
of thing, is the result.
“Bad breath is almost always milk, wheat, and eggs. Bedwetting, after age five, if it’s related to a food, is due to
milk or it’s due to a fruit juice. Soiled underwear, when they leak, and they have a little bowel movement on their
pants all the time, is frequently due to grapes and raisins, but other foods can also cause it (like undigested fats,
shown by light-colored stool—WSL). Leg aches, called growing pains—take the milk out of the diet for a week,
then add the milk back, and you’ll see that many leg aches are due to milk sensitivities. Again, there are other
causes for leg aches, but this is one of the causes. Clucking throat sounds—that’s a milk allergy. The potbelly is
very characteristic of people who have food allergies. There are many other causes; you may have parasites,
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enzymatic dysfunction, or a malfunction in your gut, but one reason is allergies.
“Learning, behavior problems, and depression: Young children four and five that want to kill themselves. Again, ask
what did they eat, touch, or smell? They have headaches. They make strange noises. They bark like dogs. They have
asthma, hay fever, and eczema. When a person eats a food that causes eczema, which is an itchy rash in the creases of
the arms and the legs, the area will get red when you’re eating the food, and the next day, they have the rash. So, there’s
a delayed reaction, and that makes it difficult to put cause and effect together. But, if you watch the skin while they’re
eating, you’ll be able to tell when it feels red and hot and that’s when they’ve eaten a food to which they are sensitive.
“The adolescents have intestinal problems. Depression and fatigue are much more common. They say they have a
ballooned, fuzzy head. They recognize that their head’s not thinking, not feeling right. Their muscles and joints
ache. They frequently have an irregular heartbeat. Take your pulse. It should be nice and regular, if it’s irregular;
something’s wrong (it could be a lack of potassium or magnesium—WSL). What did you eat, touch, or smell?
Start to pay attention to your body, especially to your pulse. It’s like a smoke alarm in a room. (Get “The Pulse
Test” by Dr. Arthur F. Coca, MD—WSL.)
“Irritability and aggressiveness in adults are very common. I believe that much battering—wife battering, husband
battering, sibling battering, mother battering—I think a lot of that is due to unrecognized sensitivities to foods and
chemicals, and things of that sort. Now, the adults tend to be too tired. The women, in particular, cry easily, and are
very depressed. Many times, they are moody and easily upset.”—(edited) Dr. Doris Rapp, MD.
Another cause of gas, bloating, diarrhea, and pain associated with irritable bowel is fructose intolerance. When
fructose (added to everything these days) is not absorbed it passes into the lower intestines undigested, and is
fermented by certain bacteria. This produces methane gas that then produces these symptoms. Supplementing
with bifidobacterium can help to alleviate this gas build up and stop diarrhea. Use a supplement that supplies four
billion or more count. Nevertheless, one should restrict the intake of fruit and of foods with added fructose. High
fructose intake, particularly in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, causes a rise of both uric and lactic acid that
creates insulin resistance at cell receptors (Syndrome X), eventually causing high blood pressure and diabetes.
This same syndrome is created, over time, by any high carbohydrate intake, but high-fructose corn syrup is
particularly nasty.
Aggressiveness and self-injury behavior can sometimes reduce rapidly as a result of anti-fungal treatment.
Aggression has also been connected to both too much and too little magnesium. Usually, it is too little. Magnesium
controls the breakdown and loss of serotonin in the synapse, and it is the best calcium channel blocker.
Research shows that it is the magnesium status that controls cell membrane potential and through this means controls
uptake and release of many hormones, nutrients, and neurotransmitters. It is magnesium that controls the fate of
potassium, sodium, and calcium in the cell. In the gut, however, it is calcium that is the 800-pound gorilla, and it will
prevent absorption of magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc. Unless there are sufficient anions such as lactates from
milk or malates from apples (Apple Cider Vinegar), calcium also will combine with phosphate and both will be
excreted. Clearly, these minerals should be taken at different times, yet they are often packaged together. Take a bit of
apple-cider vinegar or milk with your calcium supplements. If magnesium is insufficient in the blood, calcium will
enter the cell excessively causing spasms and cramps, and it will be deposited in the soft tissues (kidneys, arteries,
joints, brain, etc.). In the heart, at least, potassium similarly controls the amount of calcium entering the heart cells.
Thus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium play off one another to control the force, rate, and regularity of the
heartbeat.
One with slow metabolism will tend to deposit calcium in soft tissues even when no milk products are used.
Giving calcium will slow metabolism further. Potassium and calcium will be lost in the urine. Calcium is often
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low because potassium is high, so giving calcium is a way of lowering potassium and slowing a “fast
metabolism”. This will often offer tremendous relief to one suffering insomnia, for such frequently have high
potassium. Overwork and stress, mental rigidity (fanaticism), and foods like avocado and shrimp will raise
calcium levels above normal for some people leading to overweight, fatigue, and depression even if not
supplementing calcium. Supplementing calcium may excessively lower phosphorus (creating tooth decay),
potassium, and magnesium. A supplement of molybdenum will strengthen tooth enamel, reducing decay. If you
have chronic dry skin, you generally are a slow metabolizer and do not need extra calcium. One with beautiful
skin may well be a fast metabolizer, and taking calcium will slow metabolism and help retain the beautiful skin.
This skin test is not totally accurate, but very indicative. A serum calcium test is not a reliable indicator of calcium
sufficiency. You can still have not enough in the bones or too much in tissues. It is important to note that
magnesium may test normal in the serum, yet be depleted in the muscle cells, hence cramps and spasms.
Magnesium protects the cell from aluminum, mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and nickel. Evidence is mounting
that low levels of magnesium contribute to the heavy-metal deposition in the brain that precedes Parkinson’s,
Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. It is probable that low, total-body magnesium contributes to heavy-metal
toxicity in children, and it is a participant in the etiology of learning disorders.
In addition to allergy or opioid production, it has been found that milk and dairy can actually
cause a microscopic blood loss in the intestine by a “reactive” inflammation of the bowel. This
can lead to anemia. Curiously, a child that might go berserk on milk may not have a reaction to
“processed” cheese. When the protein structure is changed, the food will not give as large an
allergic reaction. “Unless a child has eczema where yolk or egg is triggering off a skin reaction,
for some reason the immune pathway fired off by eggs doesn’t seem to play a role in what we are
talking about in the brain. I rarely have to worry about taking a child off of eggs, even though you
may have this ‘huge reaction’ on the food screen”—Dr. Michael Goldberg. Recent information
from Dr. Shaw relating to need of cholesterol in a subset of children would indicate the need for
eggs in the diet.
We’ve mentioned PST and now the phenols, let’s take a look at these enzymes that break down environmental and
endogenous toxins: there are two forms of PST (11 members have been identified) that are specific for the
sulfation of small phenols (PST-P) and monoamines (PST-M). Phenolic acids have been reported to
have important biological and pharmacological properties and are beneficial to human health, but an
excess is very neurotoxic. In the present study, human platelets were used as a model to investigate the
influence of 13 phenolic acids on human PST activity, and to evaluate the relationship to their
antioxidant activity. The results showed that chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid,
vanillic acid (vanilla), sinapic acid, and caffeic acid (many fruits and vegetables - inhibits also 5-LO and
leukotriene biosynthesis) significantly (p 0.05) inhibited the activities of both forms of PST by 21-30%
at a concentration of 6.7 microM (perhaps best avoided). The activity of PST-P was enhanced (p 0.05)
by p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid (tea), gentisic acid (gentian), o-coumaric acid, p-coumaric acid,
and m-coumaric acid (coumaric is largely in perfumes) at a concentration of 6.7 microM, whereas the
activity of PST-M was enhanced by gentisic acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid
(related to vanillin). The phenolic acids exhibited antioxidant activity as determined by the oxygen
radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay,
especially gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, and coumaric acid, which had strong
activity. The overall effect of phenolic acids tested on the activity of PST-P and PST-M was well
correlated to their antioxidant activity of ORAC value (r = 0.71, p 0.01 and r = 0.66, p 0.01). These
observations suggest that antioxidant phenolic acids might alter sulfate conjugation. End. Since PST
children react very adversely to coumaric acid in perfumes, I suggest the “enhancement” spoken of is
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not beneficial enhancement, but the efforts of the body to rid itself of these potentially poisonous
substances.
Subsequent molecular-genetic experiments revealed the existence of three human PST genes, two of which,
SULT1A1 and SULT1A2, encode proteins with “TS (thermal-stable) PST-like” activity. We recently reported
common nucleotide polymorphisms for SULT1A1 that are associated with variations in platelet TS-PST
activity and thermal stability. We also present new data on the inhibition of SULT1A enzymes by dietary
chemicals, showing that compounds to which we are exposed regularly, such as epigallocatechin gallate and
epicatechin gallate (from green tea, usually thought to be great as supplements) are extremely potent inhibitors
of phenol sulfotransferases (K(i) in the nanomolar range for SULT1A1). We found that the mechanism of
inhibition by these chemicals varied depending on the individual isoform involved, showing uncompetitive
inhibition of SULT1A1 whereas with SULT1A2 and -1A3 they demonstrated mixed-type inhibition. Thus,
genetic-environmental interactions may play an important role in modulating sulfotransferase activity and in
determining individual response to chemicals metabolized by these important enzymes.
Sulfation is an intriguing pathway of thyroid hormone metabolism since it facilitates the degradation of the
hormone by the type-1 deiodinase (D1). This study reports the preliminary characterization of iodothyronine
sulfotransferase activities of human liver cytosol and recombinant rSULT1C1 and hSULT1A1 isoenzymes. All
these enzyme preparations catalyzed the sulfation of - in decreasing order of efficiency - 3,3’-diiodothyronine
(3,3’-T2), 3,3’,5-triiodothyronine (T3), approximately 3,3’,5’-triiodothyronine (rT3), and thyroxine (T4).
Different phenol derivatives were found to be potent inhibitors of the sulfation of 3,3’-T2 by native and
recombinant sulfotransferases, with pentachlorophenol and 2,4,6-tribromophenol being the most potent. In
addition to deiodination, iodothyronines are metabolized by conjugation of the phenolic hydroxyl group with
sulfate or glucuronic acid. Sulfation and glucuronidation are so-called Phase II detoxication reactions, the
general purpose of which is to increase the water-solubility of the substrates and, thus, to facilitate their biliary
and/or urinary clearance. However, iodothyronine sulfate levels are normally very low in plasma, bile, and
urine, because these conjugates are rapidly degraded by D1 enzymes, suggesting that sulfate conjugation is a
primary step leading to the irreversible inactivation of thyroid hormone. This would indicate that children with
PST malfunction will have the thyroid hormones adversely affected.
There is evidence of immune suppression on exposure to testing doses of phenols (see PST). There may be a drop
in T-suppressor cells or total T-cell numbers. An overabundance of B-cells was interpreted as a reflection of toxic
image to the immune system. An increase in helper cells, antibody formation, and elevation of some
immunoglobulins was also noted. Other findings on phenolic exposure have been depressed serotonin, elevated
histamine and prostaglandins, abnormal complement, and immune-complex formation. Phenol is a known
carcinogen with a special affinity for the brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, and the amino acid tyramine
(formed from tyrosine metabolism that produces dopamine) are phenolic compounds that are strongly
vasodilative; however, they lower the pressure (in the gut) at which peristalsis begins; thus, peristalsis is increased
in the intestine (tending to diarrhea) and distribution of blood is altered because of sensitizing smooth muscles to
epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other physiological stimulants. (Low EPA levels [Omega-3 fatty acid] will also
increase smooth muscle contraction leading to hypertension [High Blood Pressure], asthma, painful menstruation,
and irritable bowel. Additionally, there may be depression, impulsive behavior, hostility, angry outbursts, and
cynical ideas.) An important property of phenolic hydroxyl groups is their acidity, which is due to the propensity
for the bond between the oxygen and hydrogen to break to form the corresponding negatively-charged phenoxide
ion. This would cause systemic acidosis, it seems. Most natural antioxidants, such as Coenzyme Q10 and
Vitamins C & E are phenolic in nature. Children may crave foods containing phenolic compounds or their
derivatives. These compounds are also present in plastics, paper, and rubber, so you may see your child chewing
these substances. It can contribute to the toxic overload in PST, or it can precipitate an allergic reaction. Hot cocoa
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has two to three times more phenols in it than other foods or red wine! Do not give it to a PST child, that is, to a
child lacking full Phase II liver function.
These alterations in normal body chemistry are largely due to a damaged, chronically-irritated
gastrointestinal tract largely caused by vaccinations, heavy metals (particularly mercury), antibiotics
(resulting Candida and bacterial overgrowth), chronic viral infections, and milk. While it is important
to remove the allergens and to deal with the yeast, the single most effective, least expensive, way to treat the
cause and not the secondary symptoms could be homeopathy. I know the principles of homeopathy offend
reason and the good American Way, “more is better”. With homeopathy, “less is more”. There are forces we
do not begin to comprehend working in this body, and homeopathy is working with one. Find a skilled
homeopath, and ask him to clear the vaccine damage and resultant virus infections, and the heavy metals
poisoning. You will be amazed at the simplicity and the relatively low cost, and immediate results, though
there is some temporary regression with each course. This will restore the immune function to balance, and
then other necessary, nutritional and behavioral interventions will be more effective. Until you have done
this, other efforts will be very expensive and not fully effective.
One long ignored but remarkably effective, relatively inexpensive, system of overcoming many of the chronic
infections that we have discussed to this point is Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI). Some Autistic children are
responding well to it. Also known as photoluminescence, photopheresis, photodynamic therapy—UBI is a process
of exposing a small amount of blood to ultraviolet light to stimulate the immune system to destroy all pathogens,
whether viral, bacterial, fungal, or cancerous cells/tumors, and their toxins. UBI is time-tested—in use for over 75
years by physicians around the world. There are no known side effects, and the therapy creates a strong immune
response. Additionally, there is significant elevation of blood oxygen levels, which in most cases remain optimized
for over a month after therapy. Blood oxygen levels are perhaps the most important fundamental element in one’s
health. Viruses, bacteria, and cancerous cells cannot sustain themselves in a well-oxygenated environment. Not only
are pathogens killed by UBI, but perhaps more importantly, biological toxins are cleared: tetanus, botulism, snake
venom, bee stings, and bacterial and fungal toxins—are all rapidly cleared by UBI.
Around 1880, some clinics in England were using externally applied UV light with phenomenal success in
treatment of disease. In 1928, one Emmitt K. Knott, a scientist in Seattle, ran some experiments on exposing
the blood to UVC rays in the treatment of women with severe bacterial infections that were not responding
to the sulfa preparations and were condemned to die. After one or two UBI exposures, the patient’s
symptoms completely subsided within 24 hours!
A doctor or nurse withdraws about 100-180 ml’s of whole blood that enters a small, quartz-glass chamber that
exposes the blood to the UV rays. As the syringe fills with blood, the irradiated blood is returned into the patient.
It was originally thought the germicidal properties of UVC—which are well understood in science—were
responsible for the miraculous cures of infection. Closer inspection showed that is not all that is happening—
we are talking photonic energy—a powerful thing indeed. It is thought that the irradiated portion—about
1/25th of one’s blood—carries the primary UV rays into the untreated portion of the blood and that the
secondary radiation is produced in this way. The effect is physical, then chemical, and finally biological.
In 1939, Dr. George Miley, MD, made a study of 97 blood irradiation treatments given to people suffering
from various diseases. His observations:
1. A 58% increase in the venous oxygen content in ten minutes.
2. A 9% decrease in venous oxygen after a half hour.
3. A 50% increase in venous oxygen one hour to one month after treatment.
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Dr. Miley—a practitioner of thousands of UBI treatments in the 1940’s—made this comment about Emmitt
Knott, “I think personally, that this is one of the greatest contributions to medicine ever made by a citizen of
the United States.” For in-depth discussion by one who has used this protocol, obtain “Into the Light” by
William Campbell Douglass, MD.
Leaky Gut
In a test of 36 autistic children reported by Repligen Corporation, 75% had a greater than normal pancreatic response to
Secretin infusion, especially among those with diarrhea (whose stool improved in consistency for several weeks
afterward). These children are probably producing too little Secretin, and thus receptor sites have proliferated. Human
Secretin receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor that is functionally linked to the cAMP second messenger system by
stimulation of adenylate cyclase (Ng et al, 1999). When given Secretin, there is overactivity of the pancreas.
Intravenous Secretin causes a five-fold increase in the output of IGF-1 in pancreatic fluid. They also documented a
pattern of intestinal inflammation (esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis that would greatly hinder absorption of
nutrients) in the majority. The most frequent gastrointestinal complaints were chronic diarrhea, gaseousness, and
abdominal discomfort and distention. Histologic examination in these 36 children revealed grade I or II reflux
esophagitis in 25 (69.4%) with symptoms of wakefulness with irritability or crying, pressing of the lower abdomen,
and diarrhea. Chronic gastritis was detected in 15, and chronic duodenitis in 24. Low intestinal carbohydrate digestive
enzyme (amylase) activity was reported in 21 children (58.3%), although there was no abnormality found in pancreatic
function. Thirty-nine percent were deficient of the enzyme Lactase, and thus had digestive problems with milk, with
bloating, gaseousness, and a loose stool (these symptoms can be alleviated with a digestive enzyme supplement
containing amylase and lactase). None showed signs of Helicobacter Pylori infection, or of fungal or bacterial
overgrowth even in the one-third with suspected fungal or bacterial overgrowth based on urine acid test results.
Dr. Karoly Horvath reported low levels of disaccharide/glucoamylase enzymes, and suggests that carbohydrate
malabsorption may be the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms seen, including abdominal pain, gas, bloating,
and chronic diarrhea (loose stools). He also found 14 of 21 children had low lactase activity. He documented
reflux esophagitis in 69.4%, chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa in 41.7%, and chronic duodenal
inflammation in 66.7%. Further, a high carbohydrate (high insulin), low fat, high glycemic diets (and stress)
promote inflammation because GLA is being driven toward arachidonic acid by the activating effect of insulin
in overwhelming the inhibitory effect of EPA upon the Delta-5 Desaturase enzymes. High insulin levels also
lower blood testosterone in men by 10%! Remove the child from his high-glycemic, high-carbohydrate diet
and supplement a good digestive enzyme such as Kirkman’s EnzymAidtm or Mannatech’s GI-ZymeR.
A recently discovered inhibitor of Delta-5 desaturase is Sesame lignans. It also enhances production of DGLA.
When combined with fish oil, DGLA levels rise dramatically. Life extension Foundation supplies Super Omega-3
with Sesame lignans. This would greatly reduce the need for Evening Primrose to supply GLA/DGLA. Sesame
lignans also inhibit production of dangerous cytokines, such as TNF and IL-6, and suppress free radicals that
increased DHA creates. Sesame lignans also enhance levels of vitamin E and DHA. These kids also desperately
need a digestive enzyme supplement, but may first need Bromelain, an effective anti-inflammatory enzyme shown
to reduce inflammation by 60%. Even more effective would be Vitalzym™ that supplies both anti-inflammatory
and digestive activities.
Your doctor has probably forgotten a simple, inexpensive, urine test that he can make in office that uncovers toxic
bacteria. Ask for a “urinary indican” test. Indican is created when harmful bacteria in the bowel ferment the
essential amino acid tryptophan. If the indican test is positive, decrease intake of sugar and high glycemic
carbohydrates because eating these things encourage overgrowth of many types of unfriendly critters, including
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Candida. Supplement friendly flora to crowd out the nasties.
This inflamed gut (dubbed “Leaky Gut” because it has become porous allowing large, food particles of both
partially digested protein [peptides] and undigested starch to pass unnaturally into the blood) produces a
number of symptoms. Increased intestinal permeability (IP) may reflect damage to the microvilli, which can
reduce levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, eventually triggering osmotic diarrhea.
Once this disease process starts, small bowel mucosal damage, indicated by higher IP ratios, remains “an
important factor” associated with increased acidosis, hypokalemia (lack of potassium), iron deficiency,
dehydration, and parasitic infection.
Actually, the dehydration, often caused by excessive amounts of sugar in the form of wheat and other grains, bread,
and any form of sugar including fruit juices, causes a breakdown of the mucosal surfaces leading to the leaky gut
syndrome and all forms of allergies. Once dried out, there is no mucosal protection against the ever-present yeast,
molds, bacteria, pollens, and various allergens. It is vital that you increase the child’s intake of water in most
instances. Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before eating increases the mucosal film significantly.
Sucrose (table sugar) leaks into the blood, and this abnormal sugar in the blood stream causes a host of
problems. Sugar increases the amounts of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and glycosaminoglycans in the urine. Particles
[especially from milk (casein) and grains (gluten/gliadin)] called peptides pass through the “Leaky Gut”, and
activate the immune system (Leukocytosis) creating many allergic symptoms, and also creating opioids in
the brain that cause much of the “weird” behavior. Dermorphin, and other opioid-like peptides, can reduce
stomach acid output (by inhibiting a zinc-bearing enzyme needed to make HCl), and change emptying time
for the stomach, and therefore, hamper digestion. Undigested particles of undercooked grain starches pass
into the blood and to the capillaries where they slow and clog blood circulation. Collateral circulation is
likely enough to keep the organ functioning, but in the brain, neurons may be lost. Eating enzyme-deficient
(cooked) foods also causes Leukocytosis (Paul Kautchakoff, MD). The immune system has to digest the
foods! This is why digestive enzymes are so vital to break down these protein and starch particles before
they reach the gut.
As mentioned, Shan, et al, found that gliadin is not broken down completely by pancreatic enzymes, but a
proline-rich fragment (a large molecule) is left that still causes leaky gut and adversely affects the bowel in
celiac patients. Because the fragment is rich in the amino acid proline, investigators reasoned that a
peptidase (an enzyme that breaks down proteins) with the ability to digest proline-rich chains might be able
to break down the gliadin fragment, rendering it harmless to celiac patients. They have now shown that this
is the case in test tubes and in rats. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV—found in milk) digests proline-rich
peptides (www.kirkmanlabs.com).
This abstract shows the problem with casein is the same and responds to the same solution – DPP-IV!
Complementary action of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and aminopeptidase M in the digestion of ß-caseinA
heymann e [PubMed] [Google Scholar], mentlein r [PubMed] [Google Scholar], Eberhard Heymanna1
and Rolf Mentleina1. Biochemisches Institut, Fachbereich Medizin, Universität Kiel, D-2300 Kiel, FRG
Abstract
Purified bovine ß-casein was digested in vitro with varying mixtures of purified proteinases and
peptidases including trypsin, chymotrypsin, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV), aminopeptidase M and
prolidase. In digestion mixtures without DP IV the yield of free amino acids was considerably lower
than in the corresponding assays with this peptidase. Especially, the release of proline increases
drastically from almost zero to the theoretical amount in the presence of DP IV. Quantitative results
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indicated that the specificities of the two microvillar peptidases (aminopeptidase M and DP IV)
optimally complemented each other. This effect elucidates the hitherto obscure physiological role of
intestinal DP IV. A similar effect may also apply to other caseins and nutritional proteins. (Accepted
Nov. 18, 1985)
Substance P is a known natural DPP-IV substrate [Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
260 (1992) 1257]. That is, this enzyme acts upon Substance P (pain transmitter). Should it be deemed
desirable, capsaicin also has been shown to reduce the levels of Substance P, probably by reducing the
number of C-fibre nerves, or causing these nerves to be more tolerant. Additionally, Oral papain seems to
protect against the toxic effect of gluten (Messer & Baume, 1976), however, it is important to eliminate
gliaden from the diet where possible for it is a powerful Lectin. That’s quite a commitment, no gliadin for
life. Taking “Seacure”, a white-fish protein product that is pre-digested will supply you with high-quality,
digestable protein during the first aix-months of your gut healing. Other aids may be Hawthorne berry, folic
acid, and vitamin B12.
Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) is a protein that has multiple functions in the body. It is known under
different names depending on where it is found. When DPP-IV is on the surface of the T-cell
(lymphocyte), it is called CD26, and supports immune function. When this enzyme is found on and
imbedded on the epithelial brush-border, mucosal membrane of the intestinal tract lining it is known as
DPP-IV. The importance of DPP-IV is that it has primary function in breaking down casein and side chain
activity in breaking down gluten. Thus, the use of a DPP-IV containing enzyme will support the digestion
of casein-containing milk products as well as the gliadin in gluten-containing grains.
Mothers are often perplexed when, having been on Gf/Cf for a period, they find high levels of peptides still
present. When a person goes Gf/Cf the body takes the opportunity to dump these things in the blood/urine again.
That is why we see them in the urine for some time afterwards. In celiac literature, it speaks of taking seven years
to totally clear the system! “Treatment of the latter (Candida) with conventional, synthetic, antifungal agents
often causes impairment of liver detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of phosphosulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g., casein, into smaller easily absorbable
peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus, fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the
potential for toxicity in PST kids. Of utmost significance is the observation that those eating soy proteins or
drinking soymilk may also have high peptide readings in their urine. Soy proteins are used extensively as
emulsifiers, binders, and stabilizers in meat, poultry, snack foods, sausage, frozen spaghetti, and whipped
toppings. Textured vegetable protein is soy-based, and many meat substitutes are soy-based. It has been
found that those on soy may have high values of gliadorphin and casomorphin, presumably because of
peptides from soy that are similar or identical to those in gluten or casein (Zhang XZ, Wang HY, Fu XQ,
Wu XX, Xu GL. Bioactive small peptides from soybean protein. Anri NY, Acad Sci 1998 Dec 13, 864: 6405. Additionally, hypoallergenic soy formulas contain very high levels of MSG. Never feed an infant soy
formula. See www.truthinlabelingorg/formulacopy.html for further details.
Additionally, those on SerenAid™ or EnzymAid™ may show high peptide values in the urine. This may be
because these products are interfering with the test.
Are the symptoms being suffered symptoms of “autism”, or of malnutrition, toxicity, and immune changes
induced by that chronically inflamed, out of balance, gastrointestinal tract? Can nutritional intervention
ameliorate these “autistic” symptoms?
Digestion 101
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Digestion begins in the mouth. Here foods are to be chewed until totally fluid, thus mixing ptyalin and other
enzymes necessary to digestion of starch with the food. No fluids should be taken during chewing.
Furthermore, thorough mastication of food may nourish the gut by providing it with salivary Epidermal
Growth Factor (EGF) that is healing to the epithelial lining of the gut. Purified Epidermal Growth Factor has
been shown to heal ulceration of the small intestine.
The food then passes to the stomach where it is thoroughly mixed and “ground” down to smaller pieces,
separated and held back as required for proper digestion. It may be held for an hour while starches continue to
digest. Food ready for digestion passes to the lower stomach, the pyloric antrum, where most digestion takes
place. This highly sensitive area of the stomach controls the acidity of the stomach’s digestive juices. Secretions
of the parietal cells into the stomach create the acid necessary to the breakdown and digestion of proteins and
fiber. Acting as a thermostat, its G-cells secrete varying amounts of gastrin into the blood that signals the H2
cells of the upper stomach to produce more or less acid as needed. Histamine acts on the H2 receptors of the
upper stomach’s parietal cells empowering them to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) when called for by gastrin.
It’s interesting to note that the acid is actually produced in the stomach by the mixing of chemicals secreted by
these cells. Acetylcholine, released by the nerves, also affects the amount and timing of HCl production. Stress
and emotions, then, also affect HCl production. Zinc, sodium, potassium, and chloride are required in optimal
amounts for production of HCl. If these things are not happening, your child may refuse meat, or will not
digest it well, producing ammonia. He may also suffer acid reflux damaging his esophagus (in 67.4%). These
same cells also release “Intrinsic factor” necessary to utilization of vitamin B12.
It’s of interest to note that sodium bicarbonate/base is made as the stomach makes hydrochloric acid. This is
carried by the blood stream to the salivary glands, the gall bladder system, glands in the pylorus (the part of the
intestine the stomach is connected to), and the pancreas. These are the alkaline glands of the body and
essentially, they neutralize the acid contents of the stomach. Should the saliva pH not be raised by one point
while eating, I would take that as an indication of a lack of HCl production.
This dislike for meat, or a loss of taste, could indicate cellular distress and possibly cancer, or a lack of
hydrochloric acid, or a copper or ammonia toxicity, or a zinc deficiency, for zinc controls the enzyme
that makes HCl. Because there is a strong association between protein and zinc content in virtually all
foods, insufficient protein intake, or emphasis on fish and fowl or vegetarianism, may often be the cause
of zinc deficiency. The food additive tartrazine (Yellow dye #5) is found to act directly as a zincchelating agent, and it blocks vitamin B6 by binding B6 dependent enzymes as does insecticides,
Theophylline (asthma drug), benzene, and hydrazine. Vitamin B6 is vital to zinc and magnesium
utilization. Zinc is an essential component of about 70 metalloenzymes (including dehydrogenases
lactate, malate, alcohol, and glutamate), alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrases, carboxypeptidase A
and B, metallothionein, and DNA and RNA polymerases. Zinc is thus widely found in relatively high
concentrations throughout the body. Zinc and magnesium both play a specific role in protein synthesis.
A deficiency of these metallic nutrients will affect protein synthesis. A deficiency has far reaching
consequences. Niacin is also involved in protein synthesis. It functions in conjunction with zinc as a
coenzyme in DNA polymerase. Research by Hsu studied the effects of only one nutrient deficiency,
zinc, on the levels of free amino acids in urine, plasma, and skin. When there was a zinc deficiency,
there was an inability for the body to metabolize all of the available amino acids consumed—thus they
were excreted into the urine as waste. Thus, the level of zinc in the body determines the overall ability
of the cells to produce new protein for growth.
Studies show that a marginal zinc deficiency reduces serum testosterone levels by 50% in adults. This adversely
affects muscle tone and strength as well as digestion and utilization. Acrodermatitis enterophatica is presently the
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most well recognized, human, zinc-responsive syndrome attributable to an inherited defect of zinc absorption.
However, there are also a variety of other conditions that have been found to respond to zinc therapy, such as
idiopathic hypogeusia (loss of sense of smell from no known cause), improvement in wound healing, gastric ulcers,
acne, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as dyslexia. Zinc controls the release of vitamin A from the liver. An inadequate
zinc nutriture has been linked with a variety of immune deficiency disorders, including cancers in both animals and
in humans. However, after treatment for thyroid dysfunction, normalization of zinc in red blood cells naturally
occurs, lagging about 2 months behind normalization of plasma T4 and T3 levels (Yoshida 1996; Varga, 1994),
hence its importance in determining duration of pre-existing thyroid disease. This is a clear sign that many cases of
“zinc deficiency” are NOT caused by an actual nutritional lack of zinc, but by thyroid dysfunction. Incidentally, the
symptoms of “zinc deficiency” are identical to the ones ascribed to hypothyroidism. Fluoride causes “zinc
deficiency”. Incidentally, one study showed that supplementing 20 mg of zinc increased the children’s hand-eye
coordination, the memory of abstract images, and their ability to remember a list of words.
Complex nitrogen (protein) metabolism appears to flourish in children with seizures, developmental delay, and
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involving not only Nitric Oxide (NO), but nitrogen retention as a whole
(described previously as purine autism by Mary Coleman). Kids presenting with suppression of carbon dioxide
(CO2) may shun nitrogen rich foods due to the formation of ammonia (an alkaline compound of nitrogen and
hydrogen) leading to a state of hyperammonemia. Excitotoxic effects of ammonia are augmented by increased
synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which is associated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA—excitatory) receptor
activation and/or increased synaptic transport of arginine. High levels of NO are a consequence of excitotoxin
damage. Excess NO has been shown to inhibit sulfation of GAGs. The behavior associated with excess
NO/ammonia production in the autist is maniacal laughter. Other symptoms reported by Dr. Amy Yasko include
flapping tremors of extended arms, disorientation, brain fog, hyperactive reflexes, tremors of hands, paranoia,
panic attacks, memory loss, hyperventilation (often with decreased CO2), and Central Nervous System toxicity.
Hyperammonemia means that ammonia, instead of being discharged by the liver, is recirculated into the
blood stream. It is apparently caused by a deficiency of four Amino Acids: Citrulline, Aspartic Acid,
Threonine, and Arginine. Vegetarians are especially susceptible to Hyperammonemia because of the lack of
essential, Medium-Chained Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine) that in turn cause a
deficiency of those Amino Acids named above. A lack of biotin contributes to excess ammonia. Thus, a
hyperammonemic state yields the spacy “brain fog” reaction, or in more severe instances may lead to
seizures. Childhood episodes of high ammonia (hyperammonemia) may be brought on by viral illnesses,
including chickenpox, overgrowth of clostridia bacteria in the gut, or even exhaustion. There is likely to be
an ammonia smell to the urine. This can be misleading for ammonia can be endogenous, or bacteria in the
bladder or in the diaper can form it! Protease digestive enzymes may relieve the burden. The condition is
often misdiagnosed as Reye’s syndrome.
Over breathing, expelling too much carbon dioxide through fast, shallow, or even fast, deep breathing is part of the
primitive stress response built into every human body. If this natural fight-or-flight response becomes chronic, the
lack of CO2 causes much havoc. “Autistics (90% or more) have low C02 (alkaline condition); hyperactive children
often have high CO2 (acid condition). For high CO2, give HCl before meals, but only if serum chloride is not
elevated. One also may give apple cider vinegar (if tolerated) to lower CO2, or phosphoric acid (Phosfood™)”—
Patricia Kane. Curiously, apple cider vinegar is also said to alkalize, being converted to bicarbonate (a pH buffer).
Dr. Robert Fried found that hyperventilation (low CO2, high alkalinity) precedes seizures and results in arterial
constriction, including brain arteries, and spasms. This reduces blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This
affects the brain’s metabolism, therefore its function. Giving mineral carbonates often can control these seizures.
This would raise CO2 and acidify the system. Additionally, apnea is the absence of effective breathing for 20
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seconds (15 in a preemie) and is associated with color changes (blue, gray, or dusky) and/o r reduced muscle tone
(turning “floppy”). In the infant, whether premature or not, breathing is exquisitely controlled primarily by the
level of carbon dioxide in the blood, and to a lesser extent by oxygen levels. The method of children re-breathing
their own air through “masking” used at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential has often been
helpful with these children as they raise their CO2 and oxygen levels (and acidify the system). (Conversely, one
Mom writes, “What we thought to be seizure behavior are periods of her blood pressure dropping suddenly and
dangerously”.) Fried concluded that the abnormal electrical activity picked up on EEGs is the result of seizures, not
the cause, nor the seizure itself. CO2 is the main regulator of Cerebral Blood Flow, so this impaired vasoreactivity
(constriction) may reflect the brain dysfunction in the seizure focus and adjacent areas.
Understanding these complex relations can be daunting: In living systems an enzyme, carbonic anhydrase,
speeds the interconversion of CO2 and carbonic acid. In aqueous solution, carbonate, bicarbonate, carbon
dioxide, and carbonic acid exist together in a dynamic equilibrium. In strongly basic conditions, the
carbonate ion predominates, while in weakly basic conditions, the bicarbonate ion is prevalent. In more acid
conditions, aqueous carbon dioxide, CO2(aq), is the main form, which, with water, (H2O) is in equilibrium
with carbonic acid - the equilibrium lies strongly towards carbon dioxide. Thus, sodium carbonate is basic,
sodium bicarbonate is weakly basic, while carbon dioxide itself is a weak acid.
Snoring is often a precursor of serious upper airway disorders. “When persons with sleep apnea fall asleep,
their tongue falls back into their throat, blocking their airway. As they struggle for breath, their blood pressure
soars,” Dr. Arthur Friedlander, who worked on the study, said further, “We believe that this rise in blood
pressure damages the inner walls of the carotid arteries lining the sides of the neck. Cholesterol and calcium
stick to the injury sites and amass into calcified plaques that block blood flow to the brain. The result is often a
massive stroke. The calcium deposits are just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “The X-ray can’t show the true
size of the plaque, which is also made up of fat, platelets, and other soft tissue.” However, it is not these large
plaques that cause the major problems. Often, they don’t exist. The major problem relates to unstable,
smaller plaques that break apart and clog smaller vessels causing the problem. Researchers at Southampton
(UK) found that supplying Omega-3 oils increased the stability of these plaques by 50% thus preventing
sudden deaths by stroke and the likelihood of future heart attacks! The damage to the vessels can largely be
prevented by an adequate intake of magnesium and the vitamin B6 needed to utilize it. Several studies have
shown that supplementing 500-700 mg magnesium per day can significantly reduce blood pressure. Estimates
indicate that this could save at least half of those dying from heart attack and stroke!
When a person is suffering from sleep apnea, air cannot flow in or out of the nose or mouth. Oxygen is not
taken in so carbon dioxide builds to dangerous levels in the blood. “It’s like pressing a pillow over
someone’s face,” Friedlander said.
Some symptoms caused by apnea are:
* Limb jerking, punching, and kicking during sleep
* Depression, reduction in motivation
* ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity)
* Morning headaches, bloodshot eyes
* Multiple trips to the bathroom during sleep time
* Heartburn (Acid Reflux)
* Waking up very tired (feeling exhausted) and thirsty
* Weight gain and love handles in men over 35
* Irritability
* Memory problems
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* Poor ability to concentrate
* Poor motor skills
* Daytime fatigue
* Excessive sleepiness during waking hours
“By examining blood chemistries, the data that began to unfold was fascinating and clearly earmarked the acidosis
(SIC, actually alkalosis) and hypoxic state. Seizures were often brought under control by examining the electrolytic
disturbance, and matching them to the child’s needs. Potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium
carbonate, and the like were used. (These normally alkaline minerals release the carbonate raising carbonicacid levels, acidifying the system and raising CO2. CO2 acts as an anticonvulsant, and also reduces glucose
metabolites, which accumulate around the foci of convulsion. Blood flow is increased to the brain. Petit mals
have been stopped using magnesium carbonate—WSL.) Now, we began to understand why so many children
responded to Buffered C (potassium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate), and why others
needed a more specific buffer (in some children for example niacin was grossly depleted, and they required niacin
bicarbonate). (Calcium carbonate tends to constipate, and may be useful in controlling diarrhea, or when
magnesium is tending to loose bowels, but it acidifies the system—WSL.) Buffers and butyrates attenuate (lessens
the effects of) abnormal nitrogen metabolism (protein digestion), however, children with ASD are unique in their
presentations, and as we examine nitrogen retention/NO (nitric oxide), electrolyte stability, catalysts, and lipid status
to determine disturbances in metabolism, it requires that we act upon these aberrations in an integrative manner
from a cellular perspective, not as singular interventions.... We found that mineral endings contained in many
multiples were worthless (magnesium oxide—a laxative), or irritating to the CNS (aspartates, excess can be
excitatory), or to the urea cycle (picolinates raise uric acid or BUN, and disturb the urea cycle), but the children
responded beautifully to alkaline salts such as Buffered C, to the carbonates, and to digestive support, including
duodenum (naturally containing Secretin and other components of the small intestine—1 teaspoon after meals.
Obtain from www.krysalis.com —WSL.), and pancreas (available in porcine, bovine, or bovine derivatives—1 to 2
capsules after meals—WSL)”—Patricia Kane. There are three problems with the carbonate forms: 1) Like the other
inorganic forms, it’s the most poorly absorbed (only 5-10%); and 2) It overacidifies a system that is consuming a
highly acidic diet; and 3) Unlike the other inorganic forms, calcium carbonate requires (and binds) the most
stomach acids. That’s why TUMS™ are sold.
Though most children with Autism may show low CO2 and an alkaline pH, some may have high CO2, low
oxygen, and low pH. Further, while most people can tolerate a wide range of CO2, others cannot, and a small
excess can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. An adult serving of 200 mg 5-HTP (children 100 mg) may alleviate
the anxiety and panic. Results should be apparent within two hours or less.
“I found...that many, many of these children are in negative nitrogen balance. Their BUN-to-creatinine ratios are very
high”—Dr. Mary Megson. Low creatinine, BUN, and uric acid are markers of a lack of nitrogen. Nitrogen retention is
dependent upon dietary consumption of nitrogen-rich foods (proteins), along with lipid consumption (fats), electrolyte
stability, and mineral density and balance. Those with organic acidemias or aminoacidemias will often exhibit this
same protein intolerance. Those with elevations of BUN are deficient in lipids and mineral base (check for
dehydration).
Purines are key building blocks for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, and are involved in a variety of other cellular
processes. “Purine autism” was first characterized in the 1970s by Mary Coleman who noted elevated levels of uric
acid in the urine of some patients. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, and is elevated in other diseases of
purine metabolism such as Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. Recent studies at UCSD suggest that some of the autistic patients
with elevated urate levels also have evidence of abnormally high rates of intracellular purine synthesis further
indicating that they have a purine metabolism defect. A few of these patients have been treated with dietary restrictions
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of fatty proteins and an analog of uridine for several years, with improvements observed in cognitive performance and
muscular function. Repligen Corp now holds the patent to uridine treatment for this condition.
High uric acid may indicate high homocysteine requiring vitamins B6, B12, folic acid, and possibly TMG. High
homocysteine is also an indication of Hypothyroidism that inhibits B-vitamin absorption (Broda Barnes 1976,
and Cleveland Clinic 1999). It is of interest to note that recent studies (University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill) show that even when folate and B-vitamins were adequate, a deficiency of choline substantially impaired
the body’s ability to regulate high homocysteine levels. When choline is ingested, some is converted to betaine,
and betaine (TMG) regulates homocysteine by converting it back to Methionine. This would suggest that when
MTHFR problems exist, adequate Choline or possibly TMG supplementation would provide a second pathway
to improve methylation. In fact, the MTHFR deficient, having impaired availability of methyl groups from
mTHF, utilize (and consequently deplete) choline and betaine (TMG) to maintain homocysteine remethylation.
A lack of choline reduces acetylcholine and depresses cognitive function as well as unbalancing
acetylcholine/dopamine ratios. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key gene in one-carbon
metabolism and, indirectly, in all methylation reactions. Several laboratories have noted that the C667T
polymorphism (Ala to Val), which reduces enzymatic activity, is inversely associated with occurrence of
colorectal cancer and acute lymphocyte leukemia. Low intake of folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, or methionine
was associated with increased risk for cancer among those with the MTHFR TT genotype. MTHFR variants are
also implicated in Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Additionally, in 78% of those supplementing folic acid, there
was unmetabolized folic acid in their blood. In those low in vitamin B12, but high in folic acid, there was a risk
of cognitive impairment. Researchers concluded, “It might be better to use the metabolically active Lmethylfolate (MetafolinTM) instead of folic acid, and it might be best to always combine vitamin B12 (as
methylcobalamin) with any type of folate supplementation.”
Exciting new research has shown that almost every organ, every gland, and every immune cell in the
body has vitamin D receptor sites. Clinical experience has shown activation of these receptor sites
facilitates calcium utilization for maximum alkalinization. Vitamin D receptors are also a part of the
MTHFR problems. Vitamin D is one of the major controllers of which gene it turned on or off. Get in
the sun! If no sun, then supplement vitamin D3.
Mothers with this MTHFR block will likely have high levels of SAH and homocysteine, while their kids will be
low is SAMe, that is, undermethylated. Epigenetically, undermethylation turns unwanted genes on whereas, in
those properly methylated, the genes will be turned off. So, if there is an active gene that is undesirable, turn it off!
Dr. Stephen Sinatra, MD, reports that an estimated 30% of Americans (40% of adults) have the genetic
abnormality of MTHFR, and that this can cause too little homocysteine as well as too much! Medical studies
have shown that the conversion of folic acid into L-Methylfolate is frequently disrupted not only by genetic
factors, but also by age-related problems, medications, and metabolic obstacles. This is not just a heart disease
problem, but families having this genetic fault will suffer a multitude of variations of disease as a result. People
who have GERD or asthma, or are sensitive to red wines (headache) often have low homocysteine. The
homocysteine normal range should be 7-10 umol/L. A lesser level will tend to produce excess sulfites, sulfates,
and ammonia. Individualls with low homocysteine typically have high sulfate in the urine. You can check this
with a dipstick “Sulfate Test” from Holistic Health International (www. Holisticheal.com for $55.00. Use Lmethylfolate rather than folic acid.
Do the Iodine Test and support the thyroid as outlined herein. Copper deficient rats also showed high
uric acid, higher sugar levels, and weakened immune systems. The amount of urea excreted depends on
hydration of the patient. If dehydrated (and most of our kids are), then low tubular flow in the kidneys
will allow more urinary filtrate so more urea is absorbed leading to a higher serum level. Additionally,
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elevated uric acid, white blood count, and CPK enzymes in a patient’s lab work may indicate yeastinduced psychosis, but not all patients reacting to yeast will be suffering from an overgrowth large
enough to show up in lab tests. The amino acid ornithine is an effective supplement for removing uric
acid as is celery seed. A pleasurable way is to eat a bowl of cherries every day! It doesn’t matter the
type. An adult needs about 22 cherries a day. Don’t like cherries? Try a bowl of strawberries.
“When we blocked or lowered uric acid, we were able to largely prevent or reverse features of metabolic
syndrome,” Dr. Richard Johnson, professor of nephrology and chief of nephrology, hypertension, and
transplantation at the university’s College of Medicine, said in a prepared statement. “We were able to
significantly reduce weight gain, we were able to significantly reduce the rise in the triglycerides in the
blood, the [rats’] insulin resistance was less, and the blood pressure fell.” High amounts of urea in the
blood indicate poor cardiac output, leading to weakened kidney function.
Dr. Ted Page reported a more puzzling form with low uric acid and a high amount of an enzyme, nucleotidase, in
the cells of skin samples. Children with a high level of heavy metals have a low amount of uric acid. URIC ACID
LOW? This is always seen in people with CHRONIC INFECTIONS, including lyme. A uric acid reading of less
than 3.0 is an indicator for heavy metal toxicity. This probably means that child has impaired ability to produce
purines that are converted to uric acid in the body, so the low uric acid may indicate an inability to release purine.
Additionally, those with deep suppression of uric acid may have difficulty with sulfation (sulfite to sulfate) in the
conversion of xanthine (excess of which is highly inflammatory, especially to blood vessels) to uric acid, a
molybdenum dependent step. A supplement of moly may help, but in particular, avoid homogenized milk that is
high in xanthine – Dr. Stephen Sinatra, MD.
Purine is needed for energy production, and adequate protein is needed for muscle and growth. There is a school of
thought that tells us we ought not to eat much protein, as it is “hard on the kidneys”. Except for the instances we
have discussed, unhealthy swelling or dropsy that accompanies so many diseases (especially those of heart or
kidneys) may well be an indication of too little protein intake. A kidney-diseased patient should take more protein,
not less, in order to replace the nitrogen being lost through the kidneys. Each should eat the amount of protein
indicated by his metabolic type.
Purine is involved with all energy reactions in the body. This is another reason why toxic metals can cause
muscle weakness because they are inhibiting energy production by the body. This abnormality may indicate we
have another therapeutic treatment for autism, through the supplementation of purine (eat dark meats).
Treatment with pyrimidine nucleotides or nucleosides has resulted in a marked improvement in symptoms. The
sugar, Ribose was also therapeutically beneficial, but to a lesser degree. Avoid copper if uric acid is
significantly suppressed (BodyBio Corp. note).
High uracil readings with normal or slightly elevated thymine may indicate a lack of folic acid needed to
convert uracil to thymine. A deficiency of molybdenum would likely be associated with abnormally low
levels of uric acid in the blood and high sulfate in the urine. Supplementation of sulfur in any form will tend
to deplete moly. When BUN, Creatinine, and Uric acid are low, there is a need for organic poultry and
seafood, particularly for the fatty ones. Eat dark meat not white, fatty fish, not dry. Additionally, inhibition
of guanase activity could reduce the availability of endogenous xanthine, but would also reduce uric acid
formation. A supplement of xanthine may help in this instance. As previously stated, the amount of urea
excreted depends on hydration of the patient, if over-hydration occurs there will be high tubular flow rate in
the kidneys and less urate is reabsorbed; so, serum level will be low.
Through its conversion into carbonic acid, carbon dioxide is the most vital player in the maintaining of the
body’s acid-base balance (actually buffering movement in pH). Lowering carbon dioxide in the lungs by
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hyperventilation shifts the body’s pH towards alkalinity, which slows the rate of activity of all body
ferments, enzymes, and vitamins. Another major cause of alkalosis is the glutathione deficiency that is
pervasive in Autism and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Low glutathione causes an elevation in citrate, which
in turn lowers a substance (2,3 DPG) that controls the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Our blood can be
full of oxygen, but without enough of this substance it cannot break free and get into the cells. This causes
oxygen deprivation in the tissues (hypoxia) that makes the body switch over to anaerobic metabolism, which
can be painful. This shift in the rate of metabolic-regulator activity disturbs the normal flow of metabolic
processes and leads to the death of the cell. The lowering of carbon dioxide in the nerve cells heightens
the threshold of its excitability, alerting all branches of the nervous system and rendering it
extraordinarily sensitive to outside stimuli. This hypersensitivity to light, sound, touch, taste, smell,
heat, or cold leads to irritability, sleeplessness, stress problems, unfounded anxiety, fears, allergic
reactions, and inordinate stress. Concurrent with this, the breathing center in the brain is further
stimulated causing a further loss of carbon dioxide with increased alkalinity. A vicious cycle has
commenced. The detrimental influence of the rapid, deep breathing on the organism is a direct result of the
creation of a carbon-dioxide deficit. It is clear that a deepening of the breathing does not necessarily mean
an increase in oxygen uptake. On the contrary, it can mean a decrease in oxygenation, which leads to
hypoxia, an alkaline imbalance, and cell spasming. “You are hyperventilating if breathing is predominantly
thoracic (chest); if little use is made of the diaphragm (abdominal movement is minimal); if breathing is
punctuated by frequent sighs; if sighing has an effortless quality with a marked forward and upward
movement of the sternum but little lateral expansion.”—Dr. Robert Fried.
Those with migrating nerve or joint pain, insomnia, or morning stiffness that improves as you move around may
well be one of the rare individuals who is too alkaline. Obtain a pH test strip for measuring urine and measure both
urine and saliva pH (do saliva between and during meals). A saliva pH (between meals) of more than 7.5 would
pinpoint your problem. Lower your systemic (saliva) pH to 6.5 to 7.0 for relief of these and many other symptoms
(Dr. David Williams, MD, Newsletter). Those too acid (below 6.5) will suffer a wide range of other symptoms that
can be corrected by raising the saliva pH. Addition of digestive enzymes, vitamin D3, and eating a couple of Brazil
nuts each day (or 200 mcg of selenium supplement) will banish many other pains.
Details of this testing are found in my electronic book “Self-help to Good Health”, (50 Chapters, over 1000 Pages,
$29.95 US) in the Chapter “Digestion and Utilization”. Saliva pH when not eating should be 6.5 to 7.0. While
eating, it should rise one full number, 7.5 to 8.0. An excessively acid condition would likely signal a too high
CO2 or an intake of too many carbonated minerals. The lungs are not getting the carbon dioxide out and the
needed oxygen in. The opposite would be true for an excessively alkaline condition—there is too little CO2, or too
little glutathione, and the cells will be starving for oxygen. Electrolyte levels, particularly of calcium (or perhaps
more accurately, of vitamins D and K to utilize the calcium), also control the pH. Some think the best time for
checking urine pH is mid morning and late afternoon before the evening meal. Others prefer the second urine of
the morning. A word of warning: in using sodium bicarbonate excessively, potassium can be excreted producing a
potassium deficiency that can cause heart palpitations. Use of too much carbonate can cause the system to become
overly acid. Dr. Carl Reich considers these saliva pH values taken between meals to mean: 4.5-6.0 you have a
disease, 6.0-6.5 you are developing a disease, 6.5-7.4 you are in a healthy range (The Calcium Factor by Robert R.
Barefoot and Carl J. Reich, M. D). Buffers tend to stabilize the pH by acting chemically to resist changes in pH.
The most important of these compounds in the blood are bicarbonates, albumin, globulin, and hemoglobin (gives
off hydrogen ions).
If suffering hyperammonemia, or over alkalinity of any cause, calm the child’s breathing in whatever manner you can
in order to raise CO2 levels, and use these carbonate buffers to restore CO2 and body acidity. One quick way to restore
acidity is to drink a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered, apple-cider vinegar (diluted in water) every hour or so until desired
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acidity is restored. Deep breathing can be used consciously, and perhaps unconsciously, to make more alkaline an
already acid system. As Dr. Fried states, the over breathing may be “the body’s best adjustment to its present needs.” If
the acidity were that of excess lactic acid, consciously hyperventilating would likely make the condition worse.
Use these methods also to stop severe allergic reactions. The average asthmatic, for example, over-breathes 3-5
times the recommended amount, sometimes more. If you think someone’s having an allergic reaction, and you
don’t have those bicarbonate buffers, try half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of baking soda in a half-glass of water.
Sometimes, that will stop a reaction within 10 to 15 minutes. Three commercial, bicarbonate products
AlkaAid™, Alka-Seltzer Gold™, and AlkaLime™ can be used. This is very effective, not only in stopping
reactions, but if you take it before you eat a food to which you are sensitive, you can sometimes prevent a
reaction. If you’re going to dinner, and you’re not quite sure what they’re going to serve, you certainly should
try to take that in advance. Supporting the thyroid will increase carbon dioxide production.
Remember, taking a high amount of potassium may be most valuable, but it tends to deplete vitamin B12, as does
high amounts of vitamin C, and using sodium bicarbonate excessively can excrete potassium producing a
potassium deficiency that can cause heart palpitations and reduce HCl production. Conversely, drinking a large
glass of orange juice every day (for potassium), as advocated by the American Cancer Society, may eventually drain
all your magnesium making you very ill. Under no circumstances take more than 4 ounces of juice (adults)! Many
have found bee pollen, or perhaps more so, honeycomb, from local honey farms to be highly effective in relieving
environmental allergy. Start with very small amounts, and slowly increase amounts until the allergy is overcome.
Butyrate (butyric acid) will aid in removal of ammonia and is essential to the health and function of the large
intestines. Though there are food sources (butter and parsnips), it is mostly produced by beneficial bacteria. Highlyfermentable fibers like resistant starch, oat bran, and pectin are transformed by colonic bacteria into short-chain fatty
acids including butyrate. One study found that resistant starch consistently produces more butyrate than other types
of dietary fiber. Fermented Kombucha “tea” includes butyric acid as a result of the fermentation. It supports the
integrity of colonic mucosa by acting as primary fuel for the colonic epithelium. Several studies have reported a
correlation between a low level of stool butyrate and a higher incidence of colon cancer, and one animal study
supplying a very high level of butyrate eliminated early-stage colon cancer. Butyrate is a natural histone deacetylase
inhibitor, and thus has anticancer activity. Butyrate has been shown to modulate local electrolyte flux, thereby
mediating diarrhea. High amounts reduce inflammation and cut DNA damage in half. Sodium butyrate
(NaB) increased lifespan in experimental animals. Colonic bacteria normally produce it, if there is plenty of
fiber, but when these bacteria are disrupted, this supplement will support colon health as you rebuild colon flora.
Evidence of adequacy will be a formed and floating stool.
ButyrEn™ (butyric acid) by Allergy Research Group/Nutricology, Inc (800-782-4274) is a short-chain, fatty-acid,
dietary supplement, an enteric-coated formulation of calcium and magnesium salts of butyric acid. Ecological
Formulas (800) 654-4432 supplies a fluid butyrate. Alpha ketoglutarate clears ammonia, and butyrate clears ammonia,
spores, and nitrogen. Butyrate and another short-chain fatty acid, caprylic acid, are frequently used as anti-Candida
agents. Liver and gallbladder congestion are major issues in states of toxicity. To insure that your gallbladder bile flow
is functional add magnesium taurate or L-taurine, glycine, and butyric acid. The oral use of butyrate, a short 4carbon-chain-fatty acid, is of striking benefit (Fusunyan et al 1998, Segain et al 1983, Yin et al 2001) in
mobilizing renegade fats, lowering TNF(a), sequestering ammonia, and clearing biotoxins. An increased amount
of niacinamide will be helpful for it aids in release of toxins stored in fats. Sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs deplete
niacin. Vitamins E, C, selenium, CoQ10, phosphatidylcholine, and low dose Alpha Lipoic Acid all support the liver.
Nevertheless, “Though butyrate works, arginine, ornithine, magnesium, and manganese are far superior and proper in
the detoxification of ammonia” —Mark Schauss of Carbonbased Labs.
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As indicated, the undigested protein turns into ammonia and goes to the brain. Kane recommends that one hour
after every meal, when the body is supposed to be producing its own bicarbonate, the carbonate buffers be given
(carbonates give off CO2 when neutralizing hydrochloric acid), along with a big glass of carbonated (CO2) Seltzer
water (this load of CO2 will acidify the system, but it will also convert the carbonates to bicarbonates that are
alkaline—WSL). I feel this is too soon for it will stop protein digestion and defeat the purpose of intervention.
Studies of stomach content have shown that for up to an hour after eating, the stomach produces no acid, but
digests carbohydrate. Though dumping takes place in small lots over time, it seems to me that 2 1/2 or 3 hours
after eating would coincide with dumping acid chyme, and serve the purpose better. A child with these problems
will consume mostly carbohydrates. All those carbs cause high glucose which produces more insulin than is
healthful, and that interferes with fatty acid metabolism and protein utilization, and produces insulin resistant cells,
tending to overweight and diabetes. Overweight children with high levels of insulin in their blood are also likely to
have high levels of homocysteine, a substance that appears to raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and birth
defects, as well as possibly other adverse effects as well. In addition, these children and adolescents appear to have
lower levels of folate, a vitamin that can lower homocysteine levels. These children may have high albumin—
which is the substance that transports toxins out of the body. High albumin means high levels of toxins are
presently being transported.
“Albumin binds organic acids and neutralizes their toxic effect to some extent. A low serum albumin is a significant
risk factor that results in a more serious clinical episode in patients with organic acidemias. The administration of
Valproic acid (Depakene™), or salicylates, should be carefully evaluated in cases of suspected organic acidemias,
since these drugs also bind to albumin and diminish the protective effect of albumin in neutralizing toxic organic
acids. Swedish developmental biologist Rodier has found that Valproic acid, a common anti-seizure drug known to
induce autism, causes brain damage in rodents, and precisely in the places expected, based on what’s known about
autism. Anytime you are taking Valproic Acid, you must supplement L-carnitine (Carnitor™) and folic acid to
avoid the deadly consequences of their deficiency. It may be wise not to supplement more than one milligram of
folic acid without your doctor’s advice for it may reduce the drug’s effectiveness and induce seizures. Indicative of
the possible harm from Valpoic Acid is this: folic acid is already lacking in the alcoholic, those with chronic disease,
the anorexic, the premature infant, the elderly, the pregnant, and in those suffering hyperthyroidism, neoplasia,
hemolytic (chemical poisoning) anemias, and psoriasis! Eat your greens! Adding an oil dressing raises folate intake
ten fold, but negligible amounts were absorbed without any fat! The study leader said, “A substantially greater
absorption of carotenoids was also observed when salads were consumed with full-fat than with reduced-fat salad
dressing.” Including avocadoes was equally as effective as oil (8.5-13 times more nutrients absorbed!).
“Lactic acid may be elevated in a wide range of conditions including the pyruvate dehydrogenase, pyruvate
carboxylase, 6 diphosphatase, and phosphenol-pyruvate carboxykinase, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase
deficiencies, glycogen storage disease type I, fructose 1, and respiratory chain deficiencies”—Wm. Shaw.
At least the pyruvate dehydrogenase is dependent on vitamin B1 that may be lacking. Additionally, vigorous
exercise, bacterial overgrowth of intestines, shock, anemia, and an absence of sufficient oxygen will elevate
lactic acid. Excess lactic acid will eventually result in the death of the cell. A possible link of metal toxicity
to chronic fatigue is via metal binding to the sulfhydryl-containing antioxidant, lipoic acid, making lipoic
acid unavailable for its vital role in the energy-producing tricarboxylic acid (citric acid, Krebs) cycle. A
deficiency of lipoic acid results in reduced muscle mass, brain atrophy, failure to thrive, and increased lactic
acid accumulation. An enzyme complex that contains lipoic acid, niacin, and thiamine breaks down the
pyruvate. If pyruvate were high, I would supplement these nutrients. Intracellular levels of glutathione
increased as much as 50% with administration of lipoic acid.
When the mitochondrial respiratory chain (Krebs or citric acid cycle) is blocked, metabolites that are
normally processed by its enzymes may build up in the cells and cause problems. When glutathione levels
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are compromised, the mitochondrial respiratory chain is a vulnerable target and cell death ensues. Both Lcarnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine can by-pass the defect in Complex I that is seen in Parkinson’s and
Huntington’s diseases. Richard Kelley from Kennedy Krieger in his presentation at Mitochondria Interest
Group Minisymposium in March of 2000 stated, “When identified below the age of two years, affected
children often respond to therapy designed to augment Complex I activity (supplement carnitine, niacin, and
or NADH—ENADA™—WSL). We propose that, like the basal ganglia, areas of the brain important in
language development and personal, social interaction are especially vulnerable in the first two years to
injury mediated by defects of mitochondrial energy metabolism, and that early and careful evaluation of
autistic children for these more subtle mitochondrial disturbances may rescue them from more severe brain
injury.” He also pointed out, “Although we find a variety of autistic phenotypes to have associated
mitochondrial abnormalities, the most common is nonspecific PDD, typically a form that manifests
language and cognitive regression or stagnation during the second year.” ENADA™, riboflavin, niacin,
thiamine, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, CoQ10, and vitamin K all improve mitochondrial energy production.
Additionally, IV glutathione and Hyperbaric oxygen is restoring function to those with Parkinson’s!
While we are considering cognitive stagnation, be aware that rats and kids without adequate stimulation
(impoverished mentally), that is, few toys, little interplay with parents, such as playing with and reading to them, or
withdrawal that is typical of an autistic child, will suffer cognitive stagnation and memory impairment such as seen
in old age. Like muscles, neurons that are not used stagnate. A brain that is receiving regular, high levels of
stimulation grows more neurons. This is why ABA (Canadian IBI) works so well. Nevertheless, cognitive
stimulation will be minimally effective without supplying missing biochemicals as suggested herein. The mentally
impoverished rats supplemented with a precursor to phosphatidylcholine (CDP-choline) retained more normal
memory and cognitive functions according to MIT researchers. Other researchers report that “healthy” elderly
adults showed a four-fold increase in growth hormone, and an increase in brain levels of key neurotransmitters
acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. CDP Choline – Cytidine Diphosphate Choline is an
active lipotrope of choline that restores brain levels of Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylcholine and
Sphingomyelin that are crucial to the function of neurons and the myelin sheath that protects them.
Aluminum interferes with the citric acid cycle (inhibits alpha-ketoglutarate and results in toxic levels of
ammonia), and thereby reduces energy production from foods. This has been shown to influence mood and
energy levels. High aluminum levels were found to be related to encephalopathies and dementia. Recent
studies suggest that aluminum contributes to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease, senile and presenile dementia, clumsiness of movements, staggering when walking, and inability to
pronounce words properly. Early symptoms may include fatigue, headache, and symptoms of phosphate
depletion. Aluminum, as obtained from antacids, can bind pepsin and weaken protein digestion. It also has
astringent qualities, and thus can dry the tissues and mucous linings and contribute to constipation. Regular use
of aluminum-containing deodorants may contribute to the clogging of underarm lymphatics and then to breast
problems such as cystic disease. The effect of aluminum in contributing to Alzheimer’s is offset by adequate
magnesium that is universally lacking in the American diet. Further, it is theorized that supplementing 500 mg
magnesium per day would cut heart disease by 50%!
Acute aluminum poisoning has been associated with constipation, colicky pain, anorexia, nausea and
gastrointestinal irritation, skin problems, and lack of energy. Slower and longer-term increases in body
aluminum may create muscle twitching, numbness, paralysis, and fatty degeneration of the liver and
kidneys. It is worse with reduced renal function. Aluminum may reduce the absorption of selenium and
phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract. The loss of bone matrix from aluminum toxicity can lead to
osteomalacia, a softening of the bone. Skin rashes have occurred with local irritation from aluminum
antiperspirants. To detoxify aluminum take a two or three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (malic acid—
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also used in the mitochondria) each day. This can be as salad dressing or drank with the morning glass of
water. Taken before meals it enhances digestion. Also supplement selenium, magnesium, melatonin, and
silica (silicon, now found increasingly as filler in supplements).
Dr. Paul Bragg, ND, Ph.D., brought 3 “mentally retarded” children into his home and gave them two teaspoons of
pure, Apple Cider Vinegar with a heaping teaspoon of raw honey and a potassium rich diet. After 3 weeks they became
more mentally alert, and in one year they were able to join school again with children of their own age! Similar results
were had with mentally retarded adults and with senile adults. This may be served two or three times a day.
Pyruvate is a chemical derived from glucose that’s normally shipped into the mitochondria. A mitochondrion is a
bean-shaped organelle that resides in the cytoplasm of every cell. These vary in number from 200 of these tiny
“boilers” to 10,000 per cell (expanding in number to meet the need)! One of the more unsung heroes of cellular life,
the mitochondria use Pyruvate and fatty-acid metabolism and electron transport to provide energy for cells.
Researchers studying this enterprising organelle have discovered that in 95 percent of the cases of stroke,
Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS there are elevated levels of free radicals and crashed mitochondria.
Pyruvate is processed further so that the respiratory chain can harvest its potential energy. However, when the
respiratory chain (electron transport) is blocked, pyruvate accumulates outside the mitochondria, and when too
much pyruvate has accumulated, the cells start to convert it to lactic acid. “Many patients with mitochondrial
disease have lactic acidosis—lactate in the blood,” neuroscientist Eric Schon of Columbia University in New York
says. “And there’s decent evidence that the lactate isn’t just a sign of faulty mitochondria, but that the lactate itself is
bad—especially in the brain, but probably also in the muscle. If this is true, then holding that lactate down would
help the patient.” There is a frequent association of lactic acidosis and carnitine deficiency in autistic patients, which
suggests excessive nitric oxide production in mitochondria (Lombard, 1998; Chugani et al, 1999). Sport by
Mannatech™ can aid in removing excess lactic acid, whether in sports, or in autism; however, supplementing small
amounts of alpha lipoic acid (several times a day), NADH, and CoQ10 may enable the mitochondria to use the
pyruvate. Children with inborn errors of pyruvate metabolism showed symptomatic improvement with a
supplement of Alpha Lipoic Acid. A deficiency of carnitine decreases the activity of Cytochrome c oxidase
(Complex IV), NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I), and succinate dehydrogenase that regulate three of the five
steps in the process by which cells oxidize food to energy in the mitochondria. Supplementing acetyl-L-carnitine
restores the function of the antioxidant enzyme cytochrome c oxidase to optimal levels.
Additionally, tartaric and citramalic acids, often elevated in autistic children and in sufferers of fibromyalgia, apparently
as a byproduct of yeast overgrowth, can interfere with mitochondrial function. These acids are analogs of malic acid
and as such, they inhibit the enzyme, fumarase, that is important in the production of malic acid needed in the Krebs
Cycle in its production of energy. The proper function of the Krebs Cycle depends on a continuing supply of malic
acid. The very toxic Tartaric and the Citramalic acids block the availability of malic acid in the mitochondria.
Supplementing with malic acid (pure Apple Cider Vinegar and/or magnesium malate) brought favorable improvement
in the disorder, fibromyalgia. Enquire at your healthfood store. A tasty, chewable magnesium, 200 mg (malate, citrate,
and gluconate chelate), is available through your doctor from Anabolic Labs at (800) 445-6849 reference number
370015.
Cellular energy production itself produces free radicals that can damage cell structures, including the
mitochondria, and ultimately lead to various diseases if the body’s natural antioxidant capacity is inadequate.
Acetyl L-carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid are both endogenous (naturally present in the body) antioxidants that
have been shown to restore mitochondrial function and reduce free radical damage. (Hagen TM et al., 1998;
Lyckesfeldt J et al., 1998) Together with NADH and coenzyme Q10, they work to maintain the function of the
mitochondria. Elevated levels of free radicals from immune activation produced by dietary intake of food
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substances identified as pathogens (allergens) in the autist contribute significantly to the production of toxic and
neurotoxic substances. Mitochondria are vulnerable to a wide array of endogenous and exogenous factors that
appear to be linked by excessive nitric oxide production. Strategies to augment mitochondrial function, either by
decreasing production of endogenous toxic metabolites, reducing nitric oxide production, or stimulating
mitochondrial enzyme activity may be beneficial in the treatment of autism. To accomplish the strategies to
augment the mitochondrial function requires that the dietary pathogens be identified and eliminated, the nitrogen
containing amino acids be regulated, and the metabolism be functioning at optimal levels with healed mucosal
linings and the recognized essential nutrients present and available.
The volume of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion may be as important as its strength (acidity). It must register a
pH of 3 or below for pepsinogen to be converted to pepsin—needed to dissolve proteins into polypeptides in the
first step of reducing protein to amino acids that the body can use. In today’s crazy world, even children do not
produce enough HCl to digest their foods properly! It seems that autistic children in particular have a preponderant
number who are lacking HCl. One test identified 52% lacking.
Conditions associated with the depressed secretion of hydrochloric acid include infancy, aging, elevated levels of
prostaglandin E2, cannabis use, billiard disease, allergies, autoimmune phenomenon, disorders in calcium
metabolism, Vitiligo, and the signs and symptoms associated with fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, E, D, K, Fas).
Fatigue, vague epigastric distresses after meals, reflux, chronic excessive intestinal gas, constipation, belching,
abdominal distention, coated tongue, nausea, vomiting, morning diarrhea, and frequent appearance of undigested
food in stools all signal that HCl secretion may be impaired.
Chyme leaves the stomach in small dumps. When the chyme leaving the stomach is sufficiently acid, the duodenum
triggers the secretion into the blood of Secretin from S-cells in the small intestine walls. HCl is the only known
stimulus of Secretin. Secretin is also formed in the portions of the intestines that lie beyond the duodenum,
and the humoral effect of Secretin is exerted not only on the pancreas but also on the intestinal glands and
the liver (in augmenting the secretion of bile). Zinc appears to influence the bioavailability of Secretin as well as
the availability of HCl. The amount of Secretin released is dependent on the volume and pH of the chyme. This
release of Secretin does three things immediately. It signals the stomach to: 1) shut down HCl production
(indicating that infusions should not be administered immediately after a meal, and that signs of an acid stomach
after the stomach is empty may be due to a lack of Secretin output), 2) to release bicarbonate of soda in precisely the
right amounts to neutralize the acid, and 3) to release pancreatic enzymes to continue the digestion of the food. The
Secretin passes throughout the system, even into the brain, where it affects many body functions. Slowed emptying
time of the stomach, reduced gastrointestinal symptoms, and—in many—dramatic improvements in behavior, as
manifested in improved eye contact, alertness, and expansion of expressive language, are documented in many of
those receiving infusions of Secretin.
Secondarily, Secretin generates a signal to the gallbladder to send down appropriate amounts of bile to aid the
digestion of the sensed amount of fat present. The body has many “backup” or secondary systems to function under
varied conditions. When fat and protein enter the duodenum, apparently even in the absence of sufficient acid to
trigger Secretin production, cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted from the walls of the duodenum, which signals both
the pancreas and the gallbladder to do their thing. That is why we can exist without HCl, though not well, for
HCl/pepsin has not broken down the protein in the stomach, and vitamin B12 is not being assimilated. Similarly, if
food is not thoroughly chewed, some carbohydrate digestion will still take place in the small intestine due to the
pancreatic enzyme Amylase (that is often deficient in Autism).
Vitamin B12 is essential for myelinogenesis in the developing central nervous system, a process that is not
complete until around the age of 10 years. B12 deficiency may, therefore, be a contributory factor in the
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developmental regression. The primary sources of vitamin B12, which is essential for brain development, are
animal products like meat, dairy products, and eggs. Since Vegan mothers eat little or no animal products, too
little vitamin B12 is transmitted to their children through breast milk, according to Dr. Maria Elena Jefferds.
Similarly, children who refuse meat, dairy, and eggs, or who lack HCl will lack this vital vitamin. Curiously,
blood levels of vitamin B12 may appear normal, yet the brain will be lacking. This can cause severe mental
deterioration. Many find methylcobalamin shots more effective than oral or sublingual, and this is benefiting
those with autism.
As with Secretin, CCK does many things throughout the body. This peptide is found in neurons of the peripheral
nervous system, including those in the gut, and in the brain, but little in the spinal cord. The highest concentrations
are found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. There are two receptors
identified: CCKA found abundantly in the pancreatic acinar cells, and CCKB, that functions also as gastrin
receptors. That is the predominant form found in the brain where CCK produces satiety. Both Secretin and CCK
have a direct gut/brain connection. It would appear that gastrin, a hormone produced by the G-cells of the lower
stomach, but secreted not into the stomach but into the blood stream, may have widespread effects also as it uses
CCKB receptors.
“Many forms of CCK are active but the octapeptide form of CCK, which is a chain of eight amino acids, is able to
promote the same degree of signal at the CCKB receptor regardless of whether sulfate has attached to it or not. On
the other hand, the CCKA receptor is a thousand times more responsive to sulfated octapeptide than it is to the
octapeptide’s unsulfated form. In a condition of low sulfate (PST—poor sulfoxidation), CCK’s maturation might be
affected, and the delivery of its signal at the CCKA receptor would be unreliable. When one looks at the function of
the CCKA receptor, the possible relevance to autism begins to become clear. Though it is clear there are some
regions where the CCKA receptor does not regulate the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, it clearly does
have effects in the hypothalamus, and it is also clear that CCK has very powerful effects on serotonin in other
regions where the receptor has not been differentiated. It may consequently have effects on serotonin’s metabolite,
melatonin, in the pineal gland. (Serotonin, through its effect on CCKB, produces satiety—WSL.) The CCKA
receptor powerfully regulates another neurotransmitter, dopamine, and also intrinsic factor, a substance in the
digestive system that allows the body to absorb vitamin B12. When B12 is lacking, it will result in elevations in
methylmalonic acid in the urine, which was found to be consistently elevated in the children in Wakefield’s recent
study...The CCKA receptor also governs the release of and regulates the release of the hormone oxytocin, dubbed
the ‘social hormone’. CCK also helps to regulate another hormone: motilin”—Susan Owens. “Thus, a lack of
sulfation will greatly diminish available pancreatic enzymes necessary to digestion, and adversely affect all these
neurotransmitter functions (see the information on sulfation deficit, and PST below). Opioid peptides inhibit
oxytocin release, and thereby promote the preferential secretion of vasopressin when it is of functional importance
to maintain homeostasis during dehydration and hemorrhage. Both neuromodulators and neurohormones coexist in
the same neuron”—Susan Owens.
The significance of this is seen in a recent study: patients who inhaled the hormone oxytocin paid more attention to
expressions when looking at pictures of faces and were more likely to understand social cues in a game simulation,
the researchers said in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Angela Sirigu of the Center of
Cognitive Neuroscience in Lyon, who led the study, said the hormone has a therapeutic potential in adults as well as
in children with autism. While it would be nice to have an oxytocin “puffer”, it seems more productive to work with
improving CCK and the sulfation aspects.
CCK is dependent upon an adequate supply of the amino acid phenylalanine. Secretin and other hormones are also
dependent upon adequate amino acid substrates. “Available pools of these sulfhydryl amino acids can be depleted
by the metal-induced, high turnover of glutathione (GSH). Persistent candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with mercury
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(Hg) burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and
tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine/norepinephrine and serotonin, respectively” (Quig, unpublished).
Due to poor digestion, and the poor eating habits of these children, amino acid concentrates often must be
supplemented. Lewis Laboratories’ Brewer’s yeast, or desiccated liver, or pure amino acid supplements must be
supplied. Seazyme™, a specially predigested concentrate of white fish, is a good way to go since it is absorbed by
those too weak to digest regular protein.
When supplementing pure amino acids, do not take phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan together as they
compete. Be aware that elevations of phenylalanine and dopamine (produced by phenylalanine and tyrosine) have
been associated with several known behavioral disorders including schizophrenia and seizures as well as headaches.
Do not drink diet drinks with their high phenylalanine and aspartate content. Additionally, be aware that dopamine
and norepinephrine, produced by metabolism of phenylalanine in the brain, play an important role in controlling the
release of several pituitary hormones (vasopressin, prolactin, oxytocin, luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, and
thyroid stimulating hormone). Supplementing phenylalanine or tyrosine prevents reduction of norepinephrine
levels that is induced by stress. These amino acids are themselves depleted by stress. Many clinical studies, and
a large body of anecdotal evidence, indicate that tyrosine may prove to be a vital substance in alleviating depression
and the irritating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. It also controls familial tremors. Tyrosine is vitally
important because it is a precursor to Thyroxin (Triiodo tyrosine), dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
Thyroxin (T4) is, of course, a primary thyroid hormone, a lack of which leads to a series of conditions including
excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. The catecholamines adrenaline and
noradrenaline are critical. Science magazine reports that tyrosine lowers blood pressure by increasing
norepinephrine metabolites that, through a feedback, shuts down an overreactive sympathetic nervous system (as
does magnesium and glycine).
Further, remember that magnesium raises the threshold for seizures, greatly reducing the chance of seizures and of
migraine headaches. Throughout this paper, I have stressed the great need for magnesium supplementation. This
need is all the more evident when we realize that a USDA survey found only 25% of us receive even the pitifully
inadequate RDA amounts, while 39% received less than 70% of RDA! Furthermore, we know that stress (and you
and your kid are stressed to the max) greatly increases magnesium excretion, as does many medications and many
chronic diseases such as heart failure, lung diseases, MS, diabetes, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
When treated with oxytocin, which neutralizes the effects of stress, within one week, autistic children become much
more relaxed. Within the next week, the child will start to remember social events. Oxytocin controls the memory of
social events, and autistic kids can’t remember social interactions that they had only hours before. Oxytocin is also
instrumental in the ability to read facial expressions. Autistic children can’t do this. It can also help reduce stimming,
which typically disappears when oxytocin levels are restored. They show better eye contact and better language
expression. The protocol for using oxytocin is quite complex. – Dr. Jorge Flechas, MD. Unless Dr. Flechas has
trained your doctor, a negative response to oxytocin may result from inappropriate administration. Nevertheless, it is
better to restore the body’s ability to naturally excrete oxytocin as discussed above.
If the fat is not digested because of insufficient bile or a lack of the pancreatic enzyme lipase, or there is a deficiency of
lipotrophic agents (primarily vitamin B-complex) there will develop a fatty-acid deficiency affecting the amino acid
balance, and a deficiency of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K contributing to many of the “autistic” symptoms,
and causing heart problems in adults. The already dysfunctional immune system will be further compromised. Vitamin
E deficiency can be seen in people unable to absorb fat properly. Such conditions include pancreatitis (inflammation of
the pancreas), cystic fibrosis, and biliary diseases (illnesses of the gallbladder and biliary ducts). Symptoms of vitamin
E deficiency include muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, abnormal eye movements, impaired vision, and an
unsteady gait. Eventually, kidney and liver function may be compromised. Other vitamin E deficiency symptoms:
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fatigue, severe menstrual cramps, menopausal hot flashes, depression, sweating, fear, nervousness, difficulty becoming
pregnant, lack of sex drive, low sperm count, dry skin, dry scalp, split ends of hair, wounds that fail to heal cleanly,
breathlessness, stabbing pains around the heart after exercise (Angina), and swelling of feet, legs, and ankles after
sitting. In addition, severe vitamin E deficiency can be associated with serial miscarriages and premature delivery in
pregnant women.
Parents using over-the-counter CCK, as an oral dietary supplement for their children with autism or PDD,
have reported beneficial effects similar to those of Secretin. High doses suppress the appetite leading to the
product being marketed as a weight-loss treatment under the name Bodyonics®. CCK is available from GNC
stores (800) 797-8828. For use in children, 1/8 to ¼ of a 100 mg capsule of the CCK product is taken
following each meal exactly one hour after the first bite of food. The dosing and the timing of administration
are critical, and it should only be used under a physician’s supervision. Over dosage has caused panic
attacks, nausea, uric acid and appetite suppression. When given at the beginning of the meal, pancreatic
enzyme secretion begins before the food reaches the small intestine and may cause rectal burning. Being a
beef extract, it can cause allergic reactions for those sensitive to beef—Biological Treatments for Autism
and PDD by Wm. Shaw.
Scientific studies show that gingerol, one of the primary pungent principles of ginger, helps counter liver toxicity
by increasing bile secretion and enhancing Phase I liver enzymes. Ginger has potent anti-microbial and antioxidant (food preservative) qualities as well. A recent study, furthering ginger’s reputation as a stomachic, shows
that acetone and methanol extracts of ginger strongly inhibits gastric ulceration. Several studies published in the
last two decades have confirmed the traditional claims for use as an anti-vomiting or anti-motion sickness agent.
Additionally, it prevents dangerous blood clotting and reduces inflammation. It can be taken as a tasty tea, or in
capsules. It also produces nitric oxide, so those with low smooth muscle tone may not wish to use it.
If the stool floats, is light tan or gray in color, bulky, shiny, and foul smelling, then fat is not being digested and
a supplement of magnesium taurate or L-taurine and L-glycine, and possibly ginger are needed. If these do not
correct the problem soon, then a supplement of ox bile or of bile salts is needed. I’ll say more on that later. It is
of interest to note that lipase is present in good amounts in raw meat, but not at all in cooked meat, and cooking
destroys all enzymes found in raw food. To compensate for our cooked-food diet, we must use a digestive
enzyme supplement. I recommend Kirkman’s EnZym-Complete™ or Metagenic’s SpectraZyme™, or HnZyme Prime™/Peptizyde AFP™ by Houston, Inc, or Mannatech’s GI-Zyme™. Houston’s AFP has no fruitsource enzymes that are troublesome for some children. Houston also has a product called No-fenol™ that
seems helpful in breaking down fiber and complex carbohydrates of plants. This should release more nutrients
and diminish food for Yeast and other pathogens.
Felsenfeld, et al, found pancreatic enzymes useful in restoring proper intestinal flora and in the nutritional
management of gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth problems which come from increases in bacteria such as
Clostridia, Bacteroides, Pseudomonceae, and the Enterobacteriaceae, such as E. Coli and Klebsiella. Many of these
organisms can be recognized as those bacteria involved in protein putrefaction and the so-called toxic bowel
syndrome. Bowel flora mass depends on high intakes of starch, therefore, the “London Ankylosing Spondylitis
(AS) diet”, consisting of a low intake of starch (no bread, cakes, potatoes, and pasta) has been used in the treatment
of AS patients at the Middlesex Hospital with relative success since 1982. AS is adjudged to be caused by or to be
aggravated by Klebsiella. It is of interest to note that most diseased patients have elevated levels of specific
antibodies to Klebsiella microorganisms. The general theory is proposed that HIGH STARCH eaters may develop
two types of diseases, depending on their HLA-status: Those that are HLA-B27 POSITIVE will develop AS and
those that are HLA-B27 NEGATIVE will develop Crohn’s disease. They will definitely develop insulin resistance
and probably diabetes! In one study, use of azeotropically (a type of distillation) processed pancreatin hastened the
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return of the altered intestinal flora to their pre-infection levels and restored gastrointestinal ecology. Additionally,
vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc were better absorbed and utilized.
Pancreatic function was significantly reduced in patients with hypothyroidism compared with healthy
subjects. Treatment with thyroxin restored the pancreatic function to normal. In two additional hypothyroid
patients studied by means of duodenal intubation, pancreatic secretion of both bicarbonate and enzymes was
found to be significantly decreased. It was concluded that the thyroid gland plays an essential role in
maintaining the functional integrity of the exocrine pancreas in humans (Gullo et al, 1991). Hypothyroidism
is also associated with anorexia, anxiety, fears, and aggressiveness in the young. Constipation and low HCl
are also frequent problems. Sometimes the reduced ability to concentrate and short-term memory loss of
hypothyroidism looks like attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). A new study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology by Dr.
Vincenzo Toscano and colleagues at the Universita La Sapienza in Rome indicates that adolescent patients
with celiac disease have elevated levels of anti-thyroid and anti-pancreatic autoantibodies.
Infants born to women with underactive thyroid were at increased risk of cardiac problems even if the mothers were on
medication. (SynthroidR medication does not correct the nutrient lack, the excess fluoride or copper, or the mercury and
lead poisoning that induced the hypothyroidism!) There was increased risk of other problems, mostly intellectual or
developmental, in children as a result of hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) pregnancies. Moms with hypothyroidism
were more likely than those with hyperthyroidism to have babies with defects. Do the Iodine and Morning
Temperature Test for both you and your children and support the thyroid function as outlined later. A simple urine test
for iodine being excreted would be even better. The median concentration (of a deficient population) is 145 mcg/L.
Unless you test well above that figure, supplement iodine. Fifteen percent are likely to have less than 50 mcg/L! I,
Willis, had Zero! An ultra-conservative figure of 500 mcg/L has been set as “excessive” iodine. Ideal amounts would
be well above that (Orthoiodo supplementation: Iodine Sufficiency of the Whole Human Body by Guy E. Abraham,
MD, et al., The Original Internist, Dec 2002. Commonly difficult problems for which iodine therapy has been called a
panacea are fibrocystic breasts, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypo- and hyperthyroid (with or without goiter), brain fog,
constipation, obesity, diabetes (resolving problems without insulin), hypertension (high blood pressure), and some heart
problems, notably, irreversible arrhythmias like atrial fibrillations. The iodine/iodide loading test is much more accurate
than the skin test, and it is now available from two laboratories:
FFP Laboratories, 80 Doctors Dr., Suite 3, Hendersonville, NC 28292, Phone: 887-900-5556 / Fax: 828-684-3253
Doctor’s Data Inc, 3755 Illinois Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174, Phone: 800-323-2784 / Fax: 630-587-7860
It was shown in an in vivo experiment that treatment of rats with thyroid hormone increased hypothalamic
oxytocin (OT) mRNA levels, the pituitary OT content, as well as OT levels in blood. The results reveal thyroid
hormone as a physiological regulator of OT gene expression, which stimulates OT promoter activity directly
through interaction with a thyroid hormone-response element in the OT gene. (Adan et al, 1992) Thyroid
hormones affect oxytocin gene expression in hypothalamic neurons (Dellovade et al, 1999).
Leslie Brothers of the California Institute of Technology found that when connections to and from the amygdala
and the cortex were severed, monkeys in the wild lost all sense of how to respond emotionally to other monkeys,
and isolated themselves, even as ASD children often do. Other researchers observed that there was a remarkable,
family resemblance between social bonding and narcotic addiction—from the initial attachment-dependence
phase to the eventual tolerance-withdrawal phases. It became clear that when animals were given very tiny doses
of opiates, they were not distressed by social isolation, and they became comparatively unsocial (even though they
could exhibit increases in certain social activities such as rough-and-tumble play). When given an opiate
antagonist, such as naltrexone, to block opiate receptors, they were more disturbed by social isolation, and they
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became more eager for gentle and friendly social contact. A double blind study using naltrexone produced
significant reduction in autistic symptomology among the 56% most responsive to opioid effects. The behavioral
improvements (increased endorphin levels) were accompanied by alterations in the distribution of the major
lymphocyte subsets, with a significant increase in the T-helper-inducers and a significant reduction of the Tcytotoxic-suppressors and a normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio (boosting immune function).
Low dose naltrexone (LDN) is becoming popular with DAN! Doctors. This enhancing of the immune system
function may be a negative effect for those with an “Autoimmune” condition where T-cells are already overactive
and Suppressor cells underactive. Additionally, LDN acts upon receptor sites throughout the body, not just in the
brain. What are the long-term effects? It also comes with a long list of side effects that the child cannot express,
though the low dose may lessen the frequency and severity of those. In my humble opinion, LDN should not take
the place of gluten/casein free diet. Nevertheless, for you Mom’s, Dad’s, and Grandparents, this may be of value.
Dr. Julian Whitker, MD has found LDN to be a tremendous benefit to two lymphoderma patients (cancer patients
whose lymph nodes had been removed), greatly reducing swelling and pain (Health and Healing Newlsetter, July
2007) and Dr. Burton Berkson, MD, and others, have used it successfully on many other cancers. It is being used
with good results for MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune disorders, and AIDS.
See other information under the Section “Mercury Poisoned”, and visit www.lowdosenaltrexone.org.
Clinical signs that may attend high urinary opiates are aphasia or poor language development;
constipation or constipation mixed with wet stools; strong growth and gain or excess weight for stature; marked
perseveration and rigidity; and marked lack of social connectedness. Opioid peptides are known to adversely
affect neuronal development in the central nervous system, to affect perception, sleep, pain, cognition, and
immune function, and to create perseverative behaviors.
Other studies have found that mercury causes increased levels of the CD8 T-cytotoxic-suppressors. It’s not a far
step to imagine that these opiate effects on social behavior might reflect something that is happening in childhood
disorders such as autism. “When we focused on the data, it was clear that only the animals given opiates became
unsocial with less pain sensitive (dysautonomia)”, researchers said. Thus, it seemed more compelling to suggest
that some kids with autism might also have too much opioid activity in their brain. This was especially attractive
since there were experimental drugs, such as naltrexone, that could reduce such brain activities. Still, some of the
kids, perhaps the insecure/anxious ones, may have too little opioid activity.
“The digestive actions (of motilin—WSL) can be suppressed...when there is a high level of histamine from an
allergic reaction or from an immune attack against parasites, and...when there are low levels of serotonin in the
gut. Lowered gut levels of serotonin might occur if bacteria were squandering available tryptophan in order to
produce the precursor to indolyl acryloyl glycine (IAG). IAG is very often extremely elevated in urinary
profiles of those with autism. (It usually returns to normal when the lactobacillus acidophilus is restored to the
gut—Wm. Shaw). Motilin also appears to be very influenced by opiates. This regulatory influence could have
significance in a syndrome in which excess opiates from dietary sources (gluten and casein) have been
frequently described; and in which inflammation is frequently seen, because inflammation would induce the
expression of endogenous opiates, such as interferon-alpha. These influences upon motilin’s digestive activity
may account for the variable digestive difficulties that are commonly described in autism”—Susan Owens.
Motilin is reported to be elevated in the plasma of some autistics. “Motilin has similar effects to morphine on the
reflex involved with urination (and may cause difficulty in potty training—WSL). Acute elevations in plasma
motilin seem to follow on the heels of immune activation in the gut and in other GAG-rich areas such as the lungs.
It could become elevated in plasma due to a regulatory effect of low bicarbonate released from the pancreas. This
could happen if Secretin levels were unusually low, or when CCK is not fully sulfated. Since Secretin seems to
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stimulate the release of sulfated glucosaminoglycans (GAGs) from some epithelial tissue, this interplay of
intestinal hormones may furnish more reasons why Secretin has recently been found beneficial to those with
autism. Motilin is also an important neurotransmitter found in abundance in the areas of the brain suspected of
having problems in autism. It is a major neurotransmitter in Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, where the most
conspicuous problems in brain morphology in autism have been described”—Susan Owens.
Colostrum is very high in motilin (that may promote diarrhea), and may be helpful in the above respects as well as
in its antibacterial properties. Colostrum is, however, at least in mother’s milk, high in casein, so those on caseinfree diets should verify there is none in the commercial colostrum of cow’s milk. In one independent testing of
several brands, only Kirkman Lab’s Colostrum Gold™ was casein free. Casein is often hidden in dextrose, maltose,
modified food starch, caramel color, barley malt syrup, calcium caseinate, etc. As to potty training, one Mom
reports that AIT enabled her son to know when he needed to go.
What are GAGs? They are molecules of long, unbranched polysaccharides (mucopolysaccharides) containing a
repeating disaccharide unit. The disaccharide units contain either of two modified sugars—N-acetylgalactosamine
(GalNAc), or N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and an uronic acid such as glucuronate or iduronate. GalNAc and
GlcNAc are two of eight known to be necessary polysaccharides. They are lacking in the diet and should be
supplemented. GAGs are extremely vital to your health and immune function, and require vital sulfate and adequate
manganese to be properly formed. IGF-1 increases the incorporation of sulfate in glycosaminoglycans. IGF-1 is
known to be low in zinc deficiency seriously affecting the vital sulfation of GAGS. A study published in the March
31, 2004 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition DHEA (the "youth hormone") is also directly related to
magnesium deficiency. Magnesium Oil can deliver all of the magnesium you need to restore DHEA levels and to
help you look and feel younger. Recent tests show that there are cellular receptors specific to DHEA. In addition,
DHEA significantly increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that catalyzes the
conversion of arginine to nitric oxide in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, thus aiding in the vasodilation and
lowered blood pressure. It appears that arginine and DHEA should be taken together. Arginine must also be taken in
time release or be taken 4 times a day, one serving being at bedtime. Otherwise, NO production will be sporadic,
and HGH is formed during sleep. Cortisol is the antagonist of DHEA (and vice versa), so, those under high stress
must supplement DHEA. DHEA (the "youth hormone") is also directly related to magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium Oil can deliver all of the magnesium you need to restore DHEA levels and to help you look and feel
younger. Recent tests show that there are cellular receptors specific to DHEA. In addition, DHEA significantly
increased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arginine to
nitric oxide in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, thus aiding in the vasodilation and lowered blood pressure.
It appears that arginine and DHEA should be taken together. Arginine must also be taken in time release or be taken
4 times a day, one serving being at bedtime. Otherwise, NO production will be sporadic, and HGH is formed during
sleep. Cortisol is the antagonist of DHEA (and vice versa), so, those under high stress must supplement DHEA.
reports that high intakes of skimmed milk, but not meat, increase serum IGF-I in eight-year-old boys. Use care here
for excess IGF-I is a key factor in the growth and proliferation of every human cancer.
The specific GAGs of physiological significance are hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, heparin,
heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. Excitotoxic effects of ammonia are augmented by increased synthesis of nitric
oxide (NO), which is associated with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA-excitatory) receptor activation and/or
increased synaptic transport of arginine. High levels of NO are a consequence of excitotoxin damage. Excess NO
has been shown to inhibit sulfation of GAGs.
The pancreas secretes many enzymes, including amylase (starch digesting) lipase (fat digesting), protease (protein
digesting) lactase (milk digesting), and peptidase. The peptidases will breakdown the peptides of milk and gluten
that, if undigested, may pass through a damaged “Leaky Gut”, and become responsible for many of the problems
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seen in the autistic. Mercury, however, inhibits the peptidase—dipeptidyl peptidase IV—that cleaves, among other
substances, casomorphin during the digestive process (Puschel et al, 1982). Mercury, then, is a major contributor to
the opioid problem. Curiously, gelatin in that favorite of kids, Jell-O™, is now said to inhibit this enzyme, and
should be eliminated from the diet. The enzyme is dependent on zinc that is universally lacking in these kids, so a
zinc supplement would help. Candida, antibiotics, vaccines, and pesticides all deactivate DPP-IV—Dr. Wm. Shaw.
Of 36 vaccinees, 10 were demonstrated to be allergic to gelatin—Allergic Reactions to Measles-MumpsRubella Vaccinations, by Anna Marie Patja, MD, Soli Makinen-Kilujen, Ph.D., Irja Davidkin, Ph.D., Mikko
Paunio, MD, Ph.D., and Heikki Peltola, MD, Ph.D. The allergic response these opioid-forming peptides cause
makes the gut all the more permeable. One study of delinquent boys (Schauss, 1980) found that they drank an
average of 64 ounces of milk daily! This is an allergic addiction. The control group of non-delinquent boys drank
less than half that amount. Milk doesn’t always “do the body good”. Beta-casomorphine-7 is a morphine-like
compound that results in neural dysfunction, as well as being a direct histamine releaser in humans and inducing
skin reactions. Additionally, milk increases the bioavailability of Mercury.
The rapid turnover of the epithelial cells of the gut (3 to 6 days) demands high nutritional levels, especially of the
sulfates, that are not being adequately supplied. A low level dysfunction called “dysbiosis” develops within the gut.
Ordinarily unvirulent organisms (yeasts, fungi, and bacteria) begin to alter the metabolic and immune responses of
the body. The immune system may react to and destroy normal gut flora. Contributing to this may be a low-grade,
measles infection in the gut from vaccines, and chronic infection from common pathogens such as Epstein-Barr
virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and/or Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6). The liver is overburdened,
creating a flood of free radicals that damage the liver and create toxic bile that can damage the pancreas. Restoring
the beneficial bacteria that line the intestinal tract may help to prevent the body’s immune system from causing
inflammation in the gut. Researchers found that these bacteria are actually able to control the immune system of the
host. Additionally, these viruses can be controlled by taking massive doses of vitamin C and A for several days, in
conjunction with exercise. Chromium, manganese, selenium, and zinc will benefit.
I have spoken of the value of vitamin C, but when dealing with viruses these snips should be noted: “Vitamin C
response when taken by mouth is not predictable. Wright and Lilienfeld (1936 19) reported that the scorbutic state
could develop even though the patient was taking large doses of vitamin C by mouth. In the opinion of Musser
(1945 20) poor absorption and equally poor storage are cardinal factors in leading to vitamin C deficiencies. It was
our privilege to observe this mechanism in one of our daughters several years ago. She had contracted chickenpox.
Vitamin C was started on this child when the macules first put in their appearance. In spite of the fact that she was
given 24 grams every 24 hours, there was no interruption in the progress of the disease. Itching was intense. One
gram administered intravenously stopped the itch within 30 minutes, and she went on to peaceful sleep for the next
eight hours. Although feeling fine, a second injection was given at this time, following which there were no new
macules, and recovery was fast and uneventful. In the past few years, we have noted that in chicken-pox when
massive injections (of vitamin C) are employed there [are] no repeating waves of macules, and the usual seven to
nine days required for crusting is reduced to less than twenty-four hours. Large doses parenterally are effective
when oral administration fails (Youmans 1945 3).”
“In this experiment it was found that 1000 mg vitamin C every four hours, by mouth, would modify the (viral)
attack. Smaller doses allowed the disease to progress. When 1000 mg was given every two hours, all evidence of
the infection cleared in 48 hours. If the vitamin was then discontinued for a similar period (48 hours), the above
syndrome returned. We observed this pattern for thirty days at which time the vitamin C was given 1000 mg every
2 hours around the clock for four days. This time the picture cleared and did not return. These little girls did not
develop the measles rash during the above experiment and although exposed many times since, still maintain this
“immunity.” Late cases were given the vitamin by needle. The results proved to be even more dramatic. Given by
injection the same complete control of the measles syndrome was in evidence in 24- and 36-hour periods,
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depending entirely on the amount employed and the frequency of the administration. Aborting of these cases
before the development of the rash apparently gives no interference to the development of immunity. Recent
progress on the rapidity of growth (development) of the virus bodies by means of the electronic microscope makes
intelligent the failure experienced by earlier workers when employing vitamin C on the virus organism (or
bodies). Unless the virus is completely destroyed, as demonstrated in the experiments with the measles virus, the
infection will again manifest itself after a short incubation period. Small, single daily doses do not even modify the
course of the infection.”
Shenk and his colleagues have shown that a COX-2 Inhibitor can stop CMV from replicating in infected cells. The
drug does this by blocking production of cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme better known as COX-2. Normally, COX-2
helps to manufacture the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PgE2), an eicosanoid that triggers fever and
inflammation. Some viruses apparently commandeer PgE2 to help them multiply. Shenk showed that fibroblasts
(from human foreskins) infected with CMV made 50 times more PgE2 than normal. The cells stopped making
PgE2 altogether, however, as soon as they were exposed to the COX-2 Inhibitor. Virus production by the cells
dropped 100-fold! This should be effective against all lipid-enveloped viruses. Additionally, this from another
researcher: “We found that the inhibition of COX antagonizes Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) propagation both in
vitro and in vivo. In addition, aspirin and Celecoxib (COX Inhibitor) both prevented the disruption of the blood
brain barrier in VSV-infected mice. In vitro experiments showed that the effect of COX inhibition was at least
partially mediated by increased production of Nitric Oxide (NO), a molecule known to inhibit VSV
replication—Chen N, Warner JL, Reiss CS, Department of Biology, New York University.
Actually, PgE2 suppresses the immune system by inhibiting the activation of NK cells. Another group of “bad”
eicosanoids, lipoxins, inhibit the action of NK cells as well. This is vital new information, but we don’t need these
drugs with all of their side effects (Vioxx™ was just removed from the market - Sept 2004 - for causing heart
problems!) to accomplish the reduction of Prostaglandin E2. Balancing fatty acid production will do this, and
arginine and other nutrients will increase NO. A supplement of Bromelain also greatly reduces PgE2. See the
Section “Managing Fatty Acids” following. Additionally, vitamin A, monolaurin, and lactoferrin inhibit the
growth of CMV.
It has been observed that those children whose autism appears at or around the time of birth may have a
problem with casein and show diarrhea, eczema, and ear infection from an early age. These have 10 times
normal IAG and high peptides; whereas those who show regression into autism at about two years of age
following MMR and introduction to a wheat-based diet, have particular difficulties with gluten. These
would likely not have high IAG, but do have high peptides. Both gluten and casein may need to be removed,
but this may give priority in beginning the program. Wheat gluten is 43% glutamate, the milk casein is 23%
glutamate, and gelatin protein is 12% glutamate. Soymilk has a high content of glutamate, and additional
glutamate is often added in form of hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Glutamate is an excitotoxin under many
circumstances.
A test devised by Susan Bryson of York University in Toronto gives an early measure of autism. She measures
a child’s ability to shift focus from one stimulus to another. First, one light is turned on, and then as a second
light is turned on and the first is shut off. All children will shift their focus from the first to the second light. In
the second part of the test, the first light is left on as the second is turned on. Normal children will disengage
from the first to the second light, but autistic children cannot make that shift. In contrast, a severely retarded 6month-old can refocus its gaze with no problem.
It is worthy of note that over 80% of the children with acute otitis media improve without antibiotic therapy
within a week. That compares with 93% recovery during the first week with antibiotic treatment, according to a
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study released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). “Watchful waiting” is suggested
as preferred treatment. This will prevent the damage to the gut, Candida overgrowth, and if made accepted
practice, it will greatly reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Strachah of Britain found that 1/3 of cases of
otitis media could be attributed to second-hand cigarette smoke. Cantekin found that recurrence after
antibiotics was 2 to 6 times greater than for those not using antibiotics! Van Buchem proved that the results
of treatment and no treatment were virtually the same! Left to heal itself, the immune system will be the
stronger. Otitis is often a clinical sign of vitamin A deficiency in children and antibiotics should never be used
until vitamin A supplementation has had a chance to restore the immune function according to Dr. Richard A.
Kunin, MD. To enable the body to throw off the infection quickly, supplement vitamin A (cod-liver oil) and use
Echinacea extract in juice three times a day. It is totally nontoxic, but do not use if allergic to daisies. Put a drop
of garlic and mullein oil in the ear also (but not if there is an ear tube in). If you must use antibiotic, request
injections to avoid killing gut bacteria. Failing that, take one of the natural antifungal listed herein, and take
yogurt or a probiotic supplement. Homeopathy offers an alternative to antibiotics. In one German study, after
one year, 70.7% treated with homeopathy had no relapses compared to 56.5% treated with antibiotics.
Recurring ear infections or inflammation produces fluid buildup in the inner ear. A magnesium deficiency has
been found to result in fluid retention, even after the infection is controlled or eliminated. Fluid retention in the
inner ear is a sign of increased magnesium need in children. Do not use antihistamines to “dry up” the ears for
that has been shown to triple the time it took to drain the ear.
One way to temporarily address that undigested peptide/leaky gut problem is to remove the casein or gluten, and the
allergens from the diet. I urge you to undertake that as early as possible (See www.Gf/Cfdiet.com). Food
sensitivities that express themselves in severe symptoms, such as would be the case for autism, rarely are limited
only to a relative few food categories, such as gluten and casein. I strongly encourage you to determine the full
extent of relief and improvement your child can achieve through dietary intervention. It is essential to avoid not only
gluten and casein containing foods, but every other problem food in your child’s diet. If the immune system is
triggered by an allergen, the body is affected for a minimum of a week to ten days (or longer). So it’s necessary to
be particularly strict at the start of the treatment, when the goal is to “cool down” the immune system. It has been
shown that these opioids permanently increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier opening the brain to
heavy metal poisoning and other toxic damage. Antibodies to gluten of the IgA type have been observed to lead to
cerebellar degeneration. Some have been puzzled at seeing these antibodies while on the Gf/Cf diet. Dr. Shattock
found that it could take at least a year before the peptides of gluten and casein would no longer be excreted in the
urine.
The cerebellum (the part of the brain responsible for coordination) and in particular the Purkinje cells
(output neurons of the cerebellum) appear to be most susceptible to damage in patients with gluten
ataxia, but other areas of the brain are not spared. “We were interested to determine the mechanism by
which Purkinje cells are damaged in gluten ataxia,” commented Hadjivassiliou. Study results show that
patients with gluten ataxia have antibodies against Purkinje cells and also that antibodies against gluten
(antigliadin antibodies) cross-react with Purkinje cells.
It is especially important to have the child gluten-casein free during the teen years when his brain is being
pruned of one-third of brain cells and synapses in the maturing of the brain. The opioids hinder this vital
phase of development. In instituting a casein-free diet, one must supplement calcium (500 mg) and 1200 IU
of vitamin D. Testing has found 2/3 of these children receiving less than the RDI of calcium.
Only about half of all Americans get the RDI of vitamin D, E, folic acid, and calcium, yet anticonvulsants
lower levels of vitamins B6, D, and E, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper, folic acid, and carnitine! Valproic
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acid, in particular, depletes carnitine, alpha-ketoglutarate, and folic acid, and interferes with the conversion
of vitamin B6 to P5P. Additionally, a high amount of vitamin A interferes with vitamin D absorption,
creating a calcium problem. Don’t reduce vitamin A; but increase vitamin D that is woefully inadequate in
the American scene.
Folic acid deficiency can be caused by use of Depakote™, Tegretol™, aspirin, Pepcid®, methotrexate, Dilantin™,
Zantac®, oral contraceptives, and 21 other commonly used drugs. Folic acid deficiency symptoms include: harm to
DNA that causes abnormal cellular development, especially in those with the most rapid rates of turnover (red cells,
leukocytes, and epithelial cells of the stomach and gut, vagina, and uterine cervix). There will be birth defects (Spina
Bifida, cleft lip and palate, small head, and possibly Down’s), cervical dysplasia, elevated homocysteine, headache,
fatigue, hair loss, memory loss, anorexia, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and increased infections. Folic acid is necessary
for the production of red blood cells, thus a deficiency can result in anemia leading to tiredness, weakness, diarrhea, and
weight loss. Recently, low folic acid levels have been linked to depression (up to 38%), especially in the elderly, and to
poorer antidepressant response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Additionally, data from the famous Nurses’
Health Study, conducted at the Harvard Medical School, show that long-term supplementation with folic acid reduces
the risk of colon cancer in women by an astounding 75%. Folate deficiency may cause darkening of the skin and
mucous membranes, particularly at the dorsal surfaces of the fingers, toes, and creases of palms and soles. Distribution
typically is patchy. Fortunately, the hyperpigmentation gradually should resolve after weeks or months of folate
treatment. A modest temperature elevation (<102°F) is common in patients who are folate deficient, despite the
absence of any infection. Although the underlying mechanism is obscure, the temperature typically falls within 24-48
hours of folate treatment and returns to normal within a few days. An interesting thing about temperature is that many
with subclinical Hypothyroidism run temperatures as low as 95 degrees Fahrenheit. An infectious fever in these might
be represented by a normal 98.6! (Those with such low temperature will likely not become pregnant.) Nevertheless,
supplementation of the general public with large amounts of folic acid will potentially harm many who are
undermethylated (more than 50% of ASD children) according to Dr. Wm. Walsh. These should beware of prepared
breakfast cereal that gives as much as 400 mcg in a 1-cup serving. If there is a question about supplementing folate,
ask the Lab for a “Neutrophilic Hypersegmentation Index”. If they do not have such to offer, have them draw blood
and send it to Meridian Valley Labs, www.meridianvalleylab.com . The cost is only $35.00 US. The expected reading
is Zero percent. Should it be more, even 95%, you must take 5 mg a day of folate until a Zero reading is achieved. This
will take about 6 months. This formulation is available from www.tahoma-clinic.com.
Epilepsy often ceases when the child is placed on a gluten-casein free diet! Additionally, remove him from all
allergens. Supplements of copper, magnesium, vitamin B1, B6, niacin, vitamin E, selenium, Evening Primrose Oil,
GABA, Taurine, and melatonin have been shown to be helpful in ameliorating epilepsy. Evening Primrose Oil has
few side effects. It may cause an occasional headache, nausea if taken on an empty stomach, and diarrhea, if taken
in high doses. Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy probably should not use Evening Primrose 0il. One should
note that a frequent cause of seizures is parasites, usually worms. One must always supplement vitamin B6
when supplementing high amounts of niacin to avoid raising homocysteine levels. A supplement of
Dimethylglycine (DMG) has benefited many undermethylated children.
Clinical studies showed that children using anti-epileptic medication had reduced plasma levels of vitamin E; so
doctors at the University of Toronto tested vitamin E on 24 children with epilepsy whose seizures could not be
controlled by medication. The frequency of seizures was reduced by more than 60 percent in 10 of 12 children
taking vitamin E supplements. (They took 400 IU per day for three months in addition to their regular medication –
larger amounts would likely be more effective.) It should be noted that several studies show that alpha-tocopherol
levels increase significantly when supplementing d-alpha-tocopherol, but gamma-tocopherol levels decrease
significantly. It is the gamma tocopherol fraction that has been shown to be the critical factor in suppressing free
radicals. Further, according to Dr. Marcus Laux, it neutralizes excess nitric oxides that cause inflammation.
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Gamma-tocopherol (the major form of vitamin E in American food, in contrast to alpha-tocopherol, which is the
major form of vitamin E in supplement pills) blocks cyclo-oxygenase and reduces proinflammatory PGE2 & LTB4
formation [FASEB JOURNAL 17:816-822 (2003)]. This is why it is important to buy the mixed-tocopherols.
Increasing incidence of allergies and seasonal asthmas has been attributed to increased levels of LTB4 caused by
excessively high, dietary omega-6 intake relative to omega-3.
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) is a boon in helping prevent heart disease as it improves blood flow and
angiogenesis is enhanced. Muscles function on 40% less oxygen! However, Japanese researchers, led by Kiyotaka
Nakagawa from Tohoku University, looked at the ability of tocotrienols to prevent angiogenesis, associated with
tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetic retinopathy. In vivo tests, using the mouse dorsal air sac (DAS)
assay dietary supplementation of 10 mg tocotrienol-rich oil per day (equivalent to 4.4 mg tocotrienol per day),
suppressed angiogenesis by 44%, compared to controls; and in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)
assay, tocotrienol was found to inhibit new blood vessel formation while simultaneously increasing the area
containing no blood vessels by 36% to 50%.
For additional helps for seizures, see Dr. Donna Andrew’s website at www.andrewsreiter.com. She has epilepsy.
However, she has not had a seizure in 25+ years. She taught her brain not to go into convulsions. This woman has
dedicated her life to teaching others how to be seizure-free.
Have you been aware of food-related problems in your child? This would include, but would not be limited to,
food allergies such as food-related asthma or rashes, food intolerance, food addictions, food sensitivities, food
aversions such as being a very picky eater, or experiencing moderate to severe dietary limitations that are selfimposed. If your answer is ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, then food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities
are more likely to be an underlying cause of the autism-related symptoms and seizures in your child. However,
avoiding the foods that trigger your child’s symptoms is a very difficult, expensive stopgap unless the
improved condition it brings is used to heal the digestion and the inflamed, leaky gut.
When the duodenum or upper intestine is damaged, as in celiac disease, Secretin production may be diminished or
lacking. That may require administering Secretin even when adequate HCl is present, as well as going on a glutenfree diet, at least until the damaged gut is healed. I think that frequent transdermal application is more natural if
Secretin is to be used. This would avoid the trauma of infusion, and the possibility of seizures following infusion
that has been reported in rare instances. To administer Secretin without first testing for pancreatic enzymes in the
stool would be counterproductive. “We have been measuring pancreatic enzymes in the stool for 8 years:
chymotrypsin directly and amylase and lipase indirectly. About 15% of autistic spectrum patients were deficient
therein; they were given capsules containing these 3 enzymes, plus 2 additional ones (bromelain and papain) in a
neutral solution. This group improved initially and continued to do so as normal enzyme levels were attained.”—
Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Repligen has found that 25% to 30% had abnormal values of chymotrypsin. Kids
with low levels did not respond to Secretin infusion. Bromelain is also said to “digest” the outer shell around a
developing tumor, allowing the immune cells to attack and destroy it. It stops the inflammatory prostaglandins
(PgE2) without affecting the anti-inflammatory ones, thus lowers inflammation by 60% in a very short time.
Remarkably, this gives it antiviral properties against CMV. Additionally, it reduces blood clotting and blood
pressure, blocks development of varicose veins, reduces sinus problems, and bruises and sprains heal in 1/3 the
usual time. It aids absorption of large molecule substances like glucosamine sulfate, recommended elsewhere.
“Autism” is of unknown cause, and most doctors will tell you there is no effective treatment, however, this failure
of digestion, whether from HCl or Secretin deficiency, or a damaged gut causes most of their mental and
physical symptoms! These symptoms of malnutrition can be ameliorated by nutritional intervention. As the
nutritional status is improved, the immune function will be able to deal with the pathogens, especially if given the
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benefit of Ambrotose AO™ and Phyt•Aloe® by Mannatech™ in modulating and strengthening the immune
function. See the statistics of malabsorption and other biochemical malfunction at end of this paper. Clinical
studies are available on request.
Recent reports indicate that 84% of autistics have elevated oxalic acid. Sugar increases the amounts of
calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and glycosaminoglycans in the urine. This report suggests another source:
Oxalate accumulation from citrate by Aspergillus niger. I. Biosynthesis of oxalate from its ultimate
precursor. Müller HM. Oxalates trap heavy metals in tissues and bone and contribute to forming kidney
stones. The sharp crystals may damage joints, blood vessels, lungs, and possibly the brain. Thirty-six
percent of autistic children had urinary values of oxalate higher than 90 mmol/mol creatinine consistent with a
diagnosis of genetic hyperoxaluria. However, other organic acids associated with genetic diseases of oxalate
metabolism were missing. This indicates that oxalate is high due to external sources, such as
yeast/fungal overgrowth and excess sugar intake, which is likely the main cause of elevated oxalate in
the urine of ASD children. An interesting symptom is a craving for salt. Salt supports the adrenals, suggesting a
need to support the adrenals as suggested elsewhere in this paper.
Oxalate degradation by the anaerobic bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes is important for human health, helping to
prevent hyperoxaluria and disorders such as the development of kidney stones by 70% (J Am Soc Nephrol
08;19:1197-1203)! Oxalate-degrading activity cannot be detected in the gut flora of some individuals, possibly
because Oxalobacter is susceptible to commonly used antimicrobials. Observations confirm a direct association
between antibiotic consumption and absence of O. formigenes. Absence of intestinal O. formigenes could
represent a pathogenic factor in calcium-oxalate urolithiasis when antibiotics are prescribed generously. A single
oral ingestion of O. formigenes by adult volunteers was, for the first time, shown to result in (i) reduced urinary
oxalate excretion following administration of an oxalate load, (ii) the recovery of oxalate-degrading activity in
feces, and (iii) prolonged retention of colonization.
Recently, a low oxalate diet was hailed as the new thing in autism. Researcher, Susan Owens, discovered that a lowoxalate diet markedly reduced symptoms of children with autism. The Low Oxalate Diet (LOD) was developed by the
Vulvar Pain Foundation (VPF) to ameliorate the vulvar pain that was found by Dr. Clive Solomons to be linked to the
presence of oxalates. Dr. Solomons discovered the role of oxalates in triggering pain, and made the assumption that the
major source of oxalates was dietary. Over time, the VPF developed a diet low in oxalates, with the goal of reducing
body stores of oxalates and, therefore, reducing pain. Dr. Solomons found, however, that, if the diet is very low in
oxalates, the dieter would begin to produce oxalates endogenously (from within). Nevertheless, the VPF’s diet has been
presented as a solution to some of the behavioral and health problems plaguing children with autism.
The diet recommends adding 1000 mg calcium citrate a day to bind oxalates in the gut. Much, but not all, of the
oxalic acid in plants is already bound to calcium; thereby, making it insoluble. (Oxalic acid binds to cations,
including calcium, zinc, sodium, potassium, and magnesium and may induce a deficiency of these vital nutrients.)
Supplementing calcium citrate has a down side for citrate mineral forms are contraindicated in those of loose
bowel for they are laxative. Calcium also “bulldozes” other minerals, such as zinc, indicating it is best to take zinc
on an empty stomach as suggested elsewhere in this paper. Supplementing this amount of calcium without
balancing it with magnesium and potassium, and possibly sodium, would be contraindicated. The calcium should
be taken in no more than 500 mg servings. When vitamin C is used by the body, oxalate is produced. Therefore, if
the physician has recommended reducing vitamin C supplements while on the LOD, this is not a good idea.
Adding sodium bicarbonate to a person on a high protein diet (that is known to acidify urine and sometimes lead
to hypercalciuria - high level of calcium in urine) has been shown to greatly reduce calcium urinary excretion. The
effect has been observed with 5.5 g of bicarbonate supplement received daily for two weeks. A recent study
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presented in the review of literature highlights that a bicarbonate-rich mineral water could be useful in the
prevention of the recurrence of calcium oxalate and uric acid renal stones. Bicarbonates are best given 2.5- to 3hours after eating. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins D and K would facilitate proper disposition of calcium.
In my opinion, adding the Low Oxalate Diet (LOD) (to a gluten/casein/allergenic-restricted diet) is a poor method of
addressing the problem of calcium-oxalate (CaOx) crystals. The things to eliminate are sugar (including the fructose of
fruit juices and foods with high-fructose corn syrup) and excess salt, both of which increase oxalate in the urine. The
LOD uses dietary manipulation and supplements of calcium and other citrate minerals to dissolve CaOx stones.
Degradation of calcium-oxalate crystals results in the release of calcium, and because the child undoubtedly has low
values of vitamins D and K and magnesium; unless these are supplemented, the calcium influx is unmanaged and
causes additional damage to the nervous system. Additionally, magnesium can help dissolve calcium-phosphate kidney
stones, and magnesium prevents the formation of calcium-oxalate kidney stones as they are associated with Mg
deficiency. Harvard researchers found that taking magnesium and vitamin B6 can reduce calcium oxalate stone
formation dramatically. The avoidance of oxalate/vitamin K-containing vegetables means that the child’s stores of
vitamin K and other valuable nutrients will be depleted. Vitamin K appears to be capable of chelating the calcium from
calcium-oxalate crystals, thus dissolving them and opening up the kidney tubules as another avenue for disposal of
soluble oxalate. The kidneys accumulate large amounts of vitamin K2 and secrete vitamin K-dependent proteins that
inhibit the formation of calcium salts. Patients with kidney stones secrete this protein in its inactive form, which is
between four and twenty times less effective than its active form at inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate crystals,
suggesting that vitamin K2 deficiency is a major cause of kidney stones.
A deficiency of vitamin B6 (and all these kids lack B6) will cause the human liver to manufacture oxalic acid. It is
also a cofactor in an enzyme that degrades oxalate and has been shown to reduce oxalate production. I believe it is
probable that the liver is also producing oxalic acid in response to a vitamin K deficiency. If this is true, then
reducing dietary intake of oxalates will not solve the problem of endogenous production, but it could, in fact
increase oxalate production (as Dr. Solomons discovered) since a low-oxalate diet excludes dietary sources of
vitamin K (that prevents hardening of the arteries and strengthens bones), such as leafy greens. If a child is unable to
regulate calcium due to a deficiency of vitamins D and K and magnesium, that child may display signs of glutamate
toxicity and uncontrolled neuronal firing that manifest as the cluster of behavioral disorders called autism.
This influx of unmanaged calcium into circulation and then into the nervous system is, I believe, the reason
that so many autistic children are exhibiting adverse responses to the LOD, including seizures, behavioral
regression, hyperactivity, and depression. These symptoms do not indicate that oxalates have moved from
storage into circulation for transport to the disposal sites (termed “oxalate dumping” on the TLO listserve),
but rather reflect the deleterious effects of an influx of unmanaged calcium into the nervous system. This is
why supplementing calcium citrate as recommended in the LOD is contraindicated. Some of the autistic
children on the LOD begin to experience heavy nosebleeds, which could reflect an exacerbation of an
existing vitamin K deficiency since on the LOD; vitamin K-containing vegetables have been removed.
Nosebleed also suggests a loss of vitamin C known as scurvy.
Of interest is a study recently that shows that folates (prevents high homocysteine levels that contribute to heart
problems), carotenoids (vitamin A source), and flavonoids (all from leafy greens) are not efficiently digested and
utilized unless eaten with a source of high fat such as a full-fat, salad dressing. Apple cider vinegar and olive oil is
recommended. It is not the fat, but the triggering of bile release that enhances absorption of these vital nutrients.
Ensure that the liver is producing adequate bile. Is the stool showing adequate bile (medium brown color)? If not,
the undigested fats will bind calcium reducing its ability to bind oxalates or to be absorbed into the blood stream.
Another means of disposal of oxalic acid is across the intestinal lumen into the GI tract, where intestinal bacteria
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degrade the acid. Aerobic degradation of oxalates leads to the formation of carbonate ions, which will react with
calcium released during the consumption of calcium oxalate by bacteria. The transformation of oxalate into carbonates
results in a pH-increase that allows calcium-carbonate precipitation (sic - formation). Studies on the oxalate-carbonate
cycle show this production of calcium carbonate by oxalate-degrading bacteria. This would exacerbate an already
alkaline child’s problems. However, oxalate-degrading bacteria, which includes Oxalobactor formigines and various
forms of lactic-acid bacteria (that produce vitamins K and B-complex for us) are easily destroyed by antibiotics so the
intestinal flora of most autistic children probably does not include these types of “good” bacteria. Additionally,
dysbiosis, wherein acidophilus and bifidus bacteria are destroyed, will rob the body of its major source of vitamin K
and B-complex. Therefore, if kidney-tubule efficiency is reduced due to the presence of CaOx crystals, and the
intestines don’t contain the types of bacteria that can degrade oxalates, the autistic child will have difficulty disposing of
the oxalic acid via either urine or stool, so it will remain in the body to form mineral crystals – unless enough vitamin
B6 and magnesium are being supplied.
To eliminate vegetables from the diet that is already restricted would do more harm than good. There has to be a
better way. Supplementing potassium and magnesium citrate capsules (citrus juices don’t work), with vitamin B6
and other supplements, will dissolve and prevent CaOx kidney stones. This would probably be preventive of other
mischief oxalates are thought to cause. Remember that citrates are laxative.
So, first, aggressively address dysbiosis by eliminating sugar, including fruit juices known to feed Candida and
increase oxalates in the urine. (Pure lemon juice is good.) Limit your intake of salt (unless there is a craving for it
indicating a need for adrenal support, addressed elsewhere in this paper) and refined carbohydrates, increase fiber
intake, and supplement needed nutrients, such as vitamins B6 (100 to 300 mg), D (2000 to 4000 IU), and K (to
reduce endogenous production of oxalic acid), with 3000 mg vitamin C, 500 mg magnesium, and 1000 mg
potassium citrate (to dissolve CaOx crystals), chondroitin sulfate (to prevent CaOx crystals), 10,000 IU vitamin A
(adults), and increase water intake. N-acetylcysteine is a new therapy for calcium oxalate urolithiasis. I suggest
Jarrow’s N-A-C Sustain, a time-released formula that takes account of the short half-life of NAC. If the stool is
light-colored, supplement taurine to increase bile production and the digestion of fats and greens. Supplement a
high-count probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and O. formigines to break down oxalates
in the gut). Eliminate use of omega-6 cooking oils and foods high in inflammatory arachidonic acid (grain-fed
animals and farmed tilapia and salmon) and take evening primrose oil and cod-liver oil to prevent inflammatory
prostaglandins and reduce oxalate problems. Supplement vitamin E, selenium, and arginine shown to reduce
oxalate problems. Supplementing magnesium orally may contribute to more uptake of oxalates from the
intestines; so, transdermal creams, baths or footbaths of Epsom salts, baking soda, and sea salt will supply these
vital nutrients needed to dissolve these stones and crystals and, thus, accelerate the process of draining oxalic acid
from the body. Oxalic acid shares the same cellular transporters as sulfur, bicarbonate, and chloride; when the
circulatory levels of these three substances are increased, they are more available for transportation into cells to
replace the oxalic acid. This will bring more oxalic acid into circulation.
Vitamin K appears to be able to chelate the calcium from the CaOx salts, leaving behind oxalic acid that can be
filtered through the kidneys or secreted across the intestinal membrane for disposal. If the child’s GI tract contains
oxalate-degrading bacteria, the concentration of oxalates inside the GI tract will remain less than the concentration
in the body, signaling the body to continue secreting oxalates across the intestinal membrane. Magnesium closes
the calcium channels and will assist in controlling neuronal firing. The sulfate, bicarbonate, and chloride can all
exchange with the oxalic acid inside cells, allowing the oxalic acid to leave the cell and be disposed of. The
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) will address the obvious imbalances in GI flora that have led to this situation,
which include the absences of both O. formigenes and vitamin K-producing bacteria. Children experiencing
setbacks on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, especially those consuming yogurt, may actually be manifesting the
effects of a release of calcium (that is reabsorbed) from calcium/oxalate crystals. The lactic acid bacteria, L.
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acidophilus and S. thermophilus, the classic yogurt-making bacteria used in the SCD, have been found to degrade
oxalates effectively.
Serotonin Connection
Serotonin (5-HT) content of blood platelets is variously reported to be excessive in 30% to 50% of autistic due to an
errant peptide or to a variant gene (note that those with more than one autistic offspring are apt to fall into this
category). It may be that a serotonin transporter is trying to reduce an excess of serotonin from the blood (caused by
a sluggish Phase II, liver enzyme system not clearing the spent hormone). This high platelet level of serotonin is
surprising in view of the limited protein intake of most autistic, apparently they are not being cleared by the PST
pathway.. McBride and colleagues recently presented results of a study that confirmed the importance of controlling
for race and ethnicity in studies of platelet 5-HT. African-American and Hispanic-American subjects had higher
levels of platelet serotonin when compared to Caucasian-American subjects. Interestingly, subjects with autism,
who had a sibling with autism, had higher platelet, 5-HT levels than subjects without a sibling with autism. Platelet
5-HT levels have been demonstrated to be stable after the age of nine years, supporting the hypothesis that platelet
5-HT levels are under genetic regulation.
In platelets, thimerosal (mercury) causes aggregation, increase of arachidonic acid metabolism, and exocytotic
release of serotonin. These platelets release substances, primarily serotonin and prostaglandins, causing the blood
vessels to spasm. The herb feverfew contains a chemical (parthenolide) that inhibits the release of serotonin from
platelets facilitating a more regular blood flow, which is said to be a benefit in migraine. One study, however, shows
it to be toxic to the liver and to peripheral mononuclear blood cells (immune cells) and to inhibit Phase I liver
enzymes. Additionally, it contains salicylates that are contraindicated in PST (Salicylates suppress P-form phenolsulfotransferase). The Phase I liver detox pathway (cytochrome p450 liver enzymes—there is said to be 40 variants,
each with a different capacity to metabolize drugs and chemicals) is the only way a baby has to deal with
endotoxins from the gut. The Phase I system is one of several shut down temporarily by DPT and other vaccines,
and suppressed by mercury. With these toxins (and those of Candida) being given off when the liver is impaired,
they can have severe consequences, including SIDS. Pharmacological evidence suggests more than 50% of the
patients with autism may have an abnormality in serotonergic neurotransmission; however, no consistent patterns of
behavior or of symptoms have been identified that relate to this high-platelet level of serotonin.
Nevertheless, Dr. Robert Reisinger, DMV, describes the final mechanism of death in infants who have temporary liver
dysfunction, and E. Coli in the gut: “One bottle of formula is enough to change a baby’s gut dramatically, and it takes
two weeks of breast feeding to return the gut to normal. How can this happen? E. Coli is the main culprit. This
bacterium is putrefactive and protein loving. The protein content of human breast milk is lower than in any other
mammal, and the protein content of formula or any other milk supplement has a direct influence on the numbers of E.
Coli in the gut often raising it to 1000 times higher levels. Not only does the acid gut and very low protein content of
breast milk provide a more hostile environment for E. Coli, but breast milk also contains neutralizing factors against E.
Coli. When E. Coli is elevated, absorption into the bloodstream over hours of time of small amounts of bacterial
endotoxin not detoxified by a temporarily dysfunctional reticulo-endothelial system results in removal of blood
platelets and fibrinogen from the circulating blood. The result is release of relatively large amounts of serotonin from
platelets into the blood plasma (in some experiments the increase of plasma serotonin is almost 100-fold). This
serotonin shock can cause such serious vasoconstriction as to cause sudden heart failure. Serotonin initiates, in some
cases, the coronary chemoreflex (Becold-Jarisch reflex) in which there is inhibition of sympathetic outflow and
increased activity of the cardiac (efferent) vagus, leading to profound bradycardia, hypotentions, and cardiovascular
collapse. The complex pathogenesis of endotoxemia depending on time and dosages, also involves release of
norepinephrine, epinephrine, corticosteroids, etc. However, if death occurs early in the course of this syndrome, it is
due primarily to serotonin effect. Serotonin is associated with deep sleep and in certain circumstances strongly inhibits
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respiratory movements. Endotoxin also has a more direct effect on cellular respiration, since it interferes with oxidative
metabolism of mitochondria in vitro as well as in vivo... Between three and six hours, vascular capillary permeability
has become more substantial, and varying amounts of edema and hemorrhage by diapedesis (passage of blood cells
through the capillary walls) are apparent. After six to eight hours or more, fibrin-platelet clots have formed, and
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is present in lungs, kidneys, and other organs and tissues.”
“For nonautistic children, serotonin synthesis capacity (of the brain) was more than 200% of adult values
until the age of 5 years and then declined toward adult values. Serotonin synthesis capacity values declined
at an earlier age in girls than in boys. In autistic children, serotonin synthesis capacity increased gradually
between the ages of 2 years and 15 years to values 1.5 times adult normal values and showed no sex
difference.”—Developmental Changes in Brain Serotonin Synthesis Capacity in Autistic and Nonautistic
Children. Chugani DC, Muzik O, Behen M, Rothermel R, Janisse JJ, Lee J, Chugani HT, Department of
Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit 48201, USA.
This imbalance in allocation of available serotonin, a tryptophan deficiency, a vitamin B6 deficiency, a magnesium
deficiency, or a deficiency of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, or some combination, leaves a deficit for the
brain. Evidence of serotonin deficiency in autism comes from a pharmacological study using tryptophan depletion.
Tryptophan depletion leads to reduced serotonin synthesis, release, and neurotransmission. McDougle and
colleagues found exacerbation of behaviors such as whirling, flapping, pacing, stomping, banging and hitting self,
rocking, toe walking, and anxiety in more than 50% of the adults with autism after tryptophan depletion.
Deficiencies in the brain chemical transmitter serotonin have been identified as a potential cause of suicide. There is
evidence showing that aggressive dyscontrol—be it violence, rage, impulsivity, or disinhibition—is often linked to
disturbances in serotonin metabolism. This study is consistent with the finding of decreased ratio of serum
tryptophan to large neutral amino acids in idiopathic infantile autism relative to controls, which would lead to a
lower basal level of serotonin synthesis, vulnerability to tryptophan depletion, and response to pharmacological
manipulations that increase 5-HT neurotransmission. Vitamin C has also been shown to significantly reduce autistic
behavior such as rocking, spinning, and hand flapping, In fact, a university study of autistic children utilizing 8
g/70 kg body weight of oral vitamin C, in 2 or 3 divided doses, showed over 10 weeks that total scores on the
Ritvo-Freeman scale, which rates social, affective, sensory, and language behaviors, improved in the group
going from placebo to vitamin C and worsening in the group going from vitamin C to placebo.
Drugs that inhibit transport of serotonin: the tricyclic antidepressants, and the Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRI), and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) that hold more serotonin in the synapse
between brain cells longer may greatly reduce the above symptoms. Normally, the enzyme MAO removes
some serotonin from the synapse while a major part is sucked back into the neuron that created it (reuptake). In
the autistic with the above behaviors, there needs to be more serotonin available in the synapse. That can best
be ensured by increasing the supply in the neuron—naturally—by increasing the precursor it needs to make
serotonin. This is accomplished by supplementing 5-HTP, and/or by conserving it from destruction in the
synapse by supplementing magnesium and vitamin B6. Folic acid is added to the regimen since requirements
increase with pyridoxine-magnesium therapy and males with fragile X syndrome (a subgroup of autism)
benefit specifically from folate supplementation. Vitamin B6 may not be responsive if folic acid is depleted,
so it should probably always be accompanied by folic acid, and vitamin B12.
The tendency for some teens to become violent or suicidal using SSRIs has been tested in rats (van der Stelt,
Psychopharmacology 172:137-44(2004). When we realize that SSRIs do not create serotonin, but merely hold
it in the synapse longer (or in the blood), leading to increased destruction of the limited supply, we can
understand the outcome of the tests. The ones who responded adversely were the ones most depleted in
tryptophan! SSRIs depleted available serotonin to dangerous levels quickly. One of the results of taking SSRIs
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you will not learn about from the drug dispensers is the increased risk of serioul bleeding due to the platelets
being deprived of needed amounts of serotonin without which they cannot aggregate and control bleeding
(Dec. 2009. Clinical Gastroenterology and Heptology). Rats fed tryptophan along with the SSRIs did not have
the dangerous depletion but showed increased extracellular serotonin.
Nevertheless, with these children who accumulate serotonin in platelets, and who cannot sulfate it to get it out of the
body (PST child), giving 5-HTP may surprisingly produce opposite than expected responses. To avoid this, Dr.
Jerry Kartzinel has observed good results by using transdermal tryptophan from Coastal Compounding Pharmacy,
Mr. Tyrus Smith, (912) 354-5188. If you are experiencing the above symptoms indicative of tryptophan depletion, I
urge you to give this cream a try. Applying it after a warm bath is most effective for blood is to the skin to absorb the
tryptophan and moist skin absorbs better too. Be sure you are supplementing vitamin B6 and niacin or the
tryptophan may be used to create niacin instead, and vitamin B6 is needed in all tryptophan metabolism. For some,
eating high tryptophan foods, like a large serving of turkey, for breakfast may accomplish the same results. Best
results are had taking tryptophan away from other proteins with a bit of carbohydrate (a turkey sandwich).
Another nutrient, inositol, has been used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as the
compulsive behaviors demonstrated by some autistic children. Doses vary from 1-6 grams, three times daily.
Tryptophan is prescribed in orthomolecular therapy in cases of insomnia, depression, and obsessivecompulsive disorders. Based on studies done in animals, some digestive enzymes may also have an effect on
neurotransmitter levels, especially dopamine.
Serotonin is found in many foods we eat such as grape, avocado, tomato, orange, plum, pineapple, banana, and
spinach. Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan supplements or protein meals increases conversion of
tryptophan to serotonin by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin increases the relative
concentration of tryptophan in the blood by causing the body tissues to soak up competing amino acids from
the blood so the tryptophan has less competition in transferring from blood to brain.
Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, tryptamine, melatonin, and indolamine, all neurotransmitters.
Dehydration seems to cause a severe depletion of brain tryptophan. Tryptophan is the natural brain regulator
for salt absorption in the body. This lack of tryptophan and its neurotransmitter products will establish lower
than normal salt reserves. This will lead to a higher sugar content in the blood in an effort to balance osmotic
forces. If blood sugar is to come down, a slight increase in salt intake will be necessary. In Type I diabetes,
there may be severe salt shortage, leaving the brain no alternative but to raise the level of sugar even more to
compensate. One of the most effective ways to raise tryptophan, serotonin, and endorphin levels in the brain is
exercise. Another is the adequate intake of pure water. Tryptophan and water are essential to homeostasis, the
balanced function of all body systems. Taking 10 to 15 mg lithium orotate twice a day will enhance serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine production. Nevertheless, lithium is concentrated in the thyroid and can inhibit
iodine uptake. This is why it is important to monitor both the levels of iodine and lithium on essential mineral
tests and supplement lithium only as needed for low values that may occur as a result of detoxification and
excretion of mercury--Dr. Amy Yasko. A correction of tryptophan levels will bring many dividends in good
health, feelings of well-being, and relief of depression.
Foods that supply tryptophan: dairy products, turkey, banana, and nuts. Selling tryptophan for human consumption
has been illegal in the United States without a prescription; however, it is available over-the-counter again, and it is
legal for use with animals. You can buy pure pharmaceutical grade tryptophan without prescription from BIOS
Biochemicals 8987-309 E. Tanque Verde, No 340, Tucson, AZ 85749-9399 (Phone 520–326–7610) if you cannot
find it locally. Do not inquire about usage, or mention human use. Tryptophan can increase both the effectiveness
and the toxicity of certain antidepressant drugs, including Prozac™ and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI).
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Mix them only if so directed by your doctor. Additionally, taking Prozac with as little as 500 mcg of folate
substantially improves patient response to the antidepressant (Drs. Coppen and Bailey, Surrey, England).
Tryptophan, a well-known antidepressant, is a precursor of niacin and serotonin and can prevent and cure pellagra
(being a source for formation of niacin). A deficiency of serotonin, from a lack of tryptophan, is related to sleep
disorders, bloating, and constipation. Increasing serotonin usually increases peristalsis and decreases bleeding, but a
lack is related to skin inflammation, depression, insomnia, and alcoholism. It cannot be utilized without adequate
vitamin B6 and magnesium. To enhance serotonin production, take tryptophan (apart from meals, but with a bit of
carbohydrate) and supplement niacin to prevent its being diverted down that pathway. The toxic effects of indole
(tryptophan) are mainly in the large intestine causing bloating and constipation. One eight-month-old breast-fed
infant had a bowel movement once a week. Neutralization of indole (by NAET) led to daily bowel movements.
For those on anti-seizure medications, it should be noted that behavioral side effects of the barbituraterelated agents, phenobarbital and phenytoin (Dilantin™), may include irritability and depression as well as
aggressive behaviors such as biting, pinching, and kicking. Additionally, Harrison’s book, “The Principles
of Internal Medicine”, notes that the drug Phenytoin is documented to cause aplastic anemia, and has been
observed to cause lymphatic conditions. The book observes that although the disease regressed in most cases
when the patient stopped taking the drug, a significant fraction proceeded to develop Hodgkin’s Disease,
that is, cancer of the lymphatic system. Aplastic anemia victims have also been observed to have a much
higher than normal risk of developing Hodgkin’s Disease.
The anxiety produced by a lack of serotonin creates another problem. When the environment is not perceived as
“safe”, the nervous system will function adaptively to facilitate fight-flight behaviors. Fear and stress tend to
produce illness, but fear, stress, and illness result in a retraction of the voluntary “social engagement system”,
leading to compromised social abilities. Depressing this neural system has several behavioral consequences
including flat effect, aprosody (can’t pay attention), difficulty in phoneme recognition, articulation problems,
hypersensitivity to sounds, and behavioral state regulation issues. Stress also has observable effects on intestinal
micro biota. Release of ACTH from fear and anger leads to increased jejunal E. Coli, loss of bacteria and
Lactobacillus from fecal samples, and increased levels of the pathogenic Bacteroides fragilis. Although these
symptoms are nonspecific regarding differential psychiatric or behavioral diagnosis, many children with
developmental disorders share them. The high-level stresses these children suffer must be countered by a variety
of antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, selenium, melatonin) to avoid systemic damage. The excess cortisol stress
produces should be countered by supplementing 100 to 200 mcg of chromium, 400 mg magnesium, 50 mg
pantothenic acid, and 500 mg vitamin C, and by various relaxation techniques, including a good back rub. It is
reported that high, stress-induced levels of cortisol were present in one-third, and that the hippocampus (involved
in memory) was 14% smaller than normal!
The development of the hippocampus and the supply of neurotransmitters are peculiarly vulnerable in the
newborn and require adequate supplies of thiamin and pantothenic acid, in particular. If these coenzymes have
been deficient, an imbalance of lactate to pyruvic acid will often persist (Winick, 1976). When pantothenic acid is
low, the adrenals produce insufficient steroids (Beau et al, 1955; Notwosky, 1968).
Secretin was shown to inhibit anxiety in a well-recognized animal model of fear and anxiety. This study was
published in Psychopharmacology (online, October 29, 2003). This study provides evidence that Secretin
modulates the activity of the amygdala, part of a neural network implicated in the acquisition and expression of
emotional and social behaviors, including fear and anxiety. It is of interest to note that in one whose amygdala
was removed, he became completely uninterested in people, preferring to sit in isolation. Without an amygdala,
he lost all recognition of feelings, as well as any feeling about feeling. Without an amygdala, life is stripped of
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personal meaning. All passions depend upon it. Without one, there is a lack of fear or rage, there is no urge to
compete or cooperate, and no sense of their place in the social order. Emotion is severely blunted or absent.
These brain areas are affected by imbalances of neurotransmitters that are in turn affected by blood flow and by
what one eats or assimilates, or how it is metabolized.
Marked disturbances of uptake of deuterated phenylalanine and tryptophan from intestine into blood were
found in a portion of autistic patients (group A). In another group of the patients, a remarkable decrease in
turnover of tyrosine in blood was found (group B)....These findings might suggest that the supply of tyrosine
(from phenylalanine metabolism) and free tryptophan to the brain (in group A), or supply of tyrosine to the
brain (group B) might be decreased. We postulated that in some of autistic patients there might exist decreases
in synthesis of catecholamine or serotonin. Based on the hypothesis, we started a new treatment with LDOPA and 5-HTP in small doses, and found significant effects in some patients. However, in some, the
amino acids caused marked aggravation of the symptoms—Naruse H; Hayashi T; Takesada M; Nakane A;
Yamazaki K; Source: No To Hattatsu, 1989 Mar, 21:2, 181-9. The amino acids Phenylalanine and Tyrosine are
precursors to L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. One Mom reported significant increase in cognitive
awareness and speech after supplementing Phenylalanine. One hundred to 500 mg on an empty stomach before
bedtime would be a good choice. Do not exceed 1000 mg. Yet, studies in Australia revealed that high levels of
tyrosine were present in many hyperactive children (dietary tyrosine is found in a variety of food products,
including yeast extracts, cheese, coffee, citrus fruits, chocolate, and cream).
Dr. Felix Sulman began his research on those who suffer from high serotonin levels because of their inability to
metabolize serotonin. He found that serotonin is a stress neuro-hormone leading even rabbits, the most docile of
creatures, to be aggressive. He coined the term “Serotonin Irritation Syndrome.” He found that those who were
unable to metabolize serotonin (PST kids) would have the levels increase. This, in turn, increases noradrenaline.
They “were in effect being poisoned by the serotonin produced by their own bodies.” These suffered from
migraines, hot flashes, irritability, sleeplessness, pains around the heart, difficulty in breathing, a worsening of
bronchial complaints, and irrational tension and anxiety, with horrifying nightmares. “It also caused his volunteers
to sleep badly—that is, always on the edge of consciousness so that they were not properly rested—and to wake
after only a few hours of sleep.” He found it caused pregnant women to abort—October 1977: Slater, et al,
Inhibition of REM Sleep by Fluoxetine, a Specific Inhibitor of Serotonin Uptake, October 1977, at p. 385. Children
so often get coughs and colds, yet using a cough or cold medication with dextromethorphan could cause the
serotonin syndrome, a very serious and potentially fatal adverse reaction. This being the case, neither Prozac-type
SSRIs nor 5-HTP should be used by PST kids. Additionally, when animals were severely deprived of zinc, levels of
brain catecholamines increased, that is, elevation of noradrenaline occurred consistently, dopamine increased
irregularly, and serotonin relatively, when compared to controls. Experimental zinc deficiency in humans leads
reversibly to reduced sperm count combined with reduced serum testosterone.
More to the point, 95% of serotonin is found in the gut! It is here we are able to see exactly what happens when SSRIs
are used. When Prozac™ is given, stimulation of nerve cells becomes larger in amplitude, and longer in duration, and 8
to 10 times as many cells are activated, thus SSRIs are very likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Continued
use of SSRIs cause some serotonin receptors to desensitize and fail to respond anymore, while others simply become
less sensitive. As desensitization sets in, cells stop responding and constipation follows. These are not “side effects” as
usually suggested, but the direct effects of holding serotonin on the nerve cell receptors too long (preventing reuptake).
Similar effects occur in the brain, glutathione increases sensitivity to dopamine and to serotonin.
Inositol Therapy can help in two ways: it can sensitize the receptors, or it can replace the SSRIs! Rahman and
Neuman reported that exogenous inositol reverses the desensitization of serotonin receptors (Rahman, 1993).
Increased membrane phosphatidylinositol could enhance effects of synaptic serotonin as do SSRIs (Fux, 1996).
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Inositol has been proven as beneficial as SSRIs in the treatment of OCD, depression, and panic disorder in
double blind placebo controlled studies (Benjamin, 1995; Fux, 1996). Doses vary from 1-6 grams, three times
daily. Some OCD cases are induced by fatigue related to the neurotransmitter dopamine (excess dopamine);
others are induced by cognitive impairment related to acetylcholine deficiency; and still others are based on
anxiety associated with GABA imbalance. Additionally, OCD has been related to an excess of Cortisol. No
wonder, when one considers the stress these Kids are under. Supplementing at least 200 mcg of chromium has
been shown to reduce Cortisol levels as much as 47%. Lyme disease may manifest with OCD. All these can be
measured with specific blood tests. Successful treatment, and the avoidance of unnecessary drug
complications, depends on accurate diagnosis. Progesterone is the primary hormone that, when deficient, can
exacerbate OCD. Progesterone, Growth Hormone, Serotonin, and Pregnenolone should all be measured, and
replacement therapy using bio-identical formulations that duplicate the body’s natural hormones, not
synthetics, should be used. Tryptophan (1-2 grams daily) or 5-HTP should be used to promote Serotonin.
Additional supplements that play a role in support include melatonin (300 mcg-1 mg daily, five days a week);
Kava Kava (60 mg spray, 1-3 times daily); St. John’s Wort (300 mg, 3-times daily); vitamin B6 (50 mg, three
times daily); niacinamide (500 mg, 2 times daily); fish oil (1-2 grams daily); and magnesium (500 mg 1-2
times daily).
A mother reports: I was in our new naturopath's office who matter-of-factly said, “When I see chronic OCD, I
usually find a chronic Strep infection”. Sure enough, a blood test confirmed it---in spite of the fact that he had
absolutely NO symptoms of acute strep, nor had he for several years. It took over a year of naturopathic
treatments to get rid of it (but we were fighting many other lyme related infections at the same time).
Inositol hexaphosphates (IP-6) is another form of inositol sometimes recommended for boosting the
Natural Killer Cell count and or chelating excess iron, but it and pentaphosphates are the phytate forms
that interfere with zinc absorption, whereas the lower phosphates have little or no effect. Iron can have a
negative effect on zinc absorption, if given together in a supplement, whereas no effect is observed
when the same amounts are present in a meal as fortificants. Cadmium, which is increasing in the
environment, also inhibits zinc absorption. IP-6 and iron should not be taken with zinc supplements
other than what might be in a multiple.
Taken between meals so it will not bind to minerals in the digestive tract, phytic acid (IP-6) is readily absorbed into the
bloodstream where it acts as a potent mineral chelator. Phytic acid is said to bind to any free iron or other minerals
(even heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium) in the blood, which are then eliminated through the kidneys.
Phytic acid removes only excess or unbound minerals, not mineral ions already attached to proteins. Phytic acid
supplements should not be taken during pregnancy since the developing fetus requires minerals for proper
development. A three-month course of phytic acid should achieve adequate iron chelation, and prolonged daily
supplementation may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Anemic individuals who take phytic acid as a food supplement
are likely to feel weak shortly after consumption, whereas iron-overloaded individuals are likely to feel increased
energy.
Due to the possible negative effect of 5-HTP in PST kids, I suggest use of Dimethylglycine (DMG), or
Trimethylglycine (TMG) that are methylated forms of the amino acid glycine, in particular, for the
undermethylated kids. This will tend to enhance SAMe production, supplying more serotonin and enhancing
sensitivity of serotonin receptors. SAM also is said to increase the antioxidant glutathione and
phosphatidylcholine, a brain nutrient that makes cell membranes throughout your body more flexible.
Improvements similar to those from 5-HTP have been reported, often within hours. Each child responds at a
different level of intake, usually 1 to 4, 125 mg tablets of DMG, daily; so begin with one and slowly
increase the amount. One to four DMG is the equivalent of one to two TMG 500 mg.
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This is essentially a backup pathway, and is meant to complement the folate route for remethylation rather than
supplant it. It does not interfere with the folate route”—David H. Swenson Ph.D. Use of folic acid may be
contraindicated in certain undermethylated. In other words, methionine can be formed from homocysteine using
methyl groups from N5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF), or in certain undermethylated who are folate sensitive, using
methyl groups from betaine (TMG) that are derived from choline. Similarly, MTHF can be formed from one-carbon
units derived from serine or from the methyl groups of choline via dimethyglycine (DMG), and choline can be
synthesized de novo using methyl groups derived from methionine (via S-adenosylmethionine). The use of TMG
solves the problem of folate blockage (excess) in certain undermethylated; however, this would tend to deplete choline
and TMG (sic). With TMG, one needs not add folate, and the amount of B12, P5P, and serine needed to normalize
homocysteine would be reduced. Nevertheless, to effect the conversion in those who are cystathionine Beta-synthase
deficient (Down’s in particular)), one must supplement vitamins B6 and B12 even when supplementing TMG/DMG.
Some supplement folinic acid hoping to bypass this block, but much bearing that label is 5-formal folate and will not
bypass the mutation. Only Folapro™ is guaranteed to be the 5-methyl THF needed to bypass the folate block. Use of
the active form L-methylfolate (MetafolinTM - 800 mcg) may give superior results. Supplementing folic acid
excessively may cause breakthrough seizures by altering drug serum concentrations, so check with your doctor on this.
It is also reported that large amounts of synthetic folate, or lesser amounts for some undermethylated, can cause
abdominal distension, flatulence (gas/wind), irritability, loss of cognition, loss of appetite, nausea, over-activity, sleep
disturbance, and vivid dreams (nightmares). Is your child experiencing nightmares?
Dr. Walsh adds: “Most autistics are very undermethylated and have little ‘traffic’ in the SAM cycle, with
generally low levels at each point along the way: Methionine, SAMe, SAH, Homocysteine, etc. These same
persons also exhibit elevated levels of folates. There is little homocysteine available to convert back to
methionine. Supplements of folic acid and B12 will rob the cystathionine pathway of needed chemicals for
production of cysteine, glutathione, and sulfur chemistry in general. This is not a good way to help an
undermethylated person. Far better would be to simply introduce additional methyl groups. My favorite way
is supplements of methionine (increasing protein intake may be better- WSL). On the other hand, if you give
folic acid to a histadelic (undermethylated, high histamine) patient, severe worsening can be expected. I
believe the obvious benefits exhibited by many autistics after methyl B12 (supplementation) derive from
correction of severe B12 deficiency rather from helping methylation.” Elsewhere, Dr. Walsh indicates that
some few undermethylated do need folic acid. Use care in supplementing it in one who is undermethylated.
One of those benefits of vitamin B12 may be elimination of stutter, a side effect of DTP, and probably related
to myelin damage! One may need to use care in supplementing DMG/TMG also as it is said to potentially
increase cholesterol levels.
As regards supplementing Methionine (and other single amino acids) as suggested, these recent findings
must be considered. Normal rats were made to behave differently just by injecting them with a specific
amino acid. The change to their behavior was permanent. The amino acid altered the way certain genes were
expressed. Methionine, the supplement used to stress these healthy rats, is widely available in capsule form and the molecules are small enough to get into the brain via the bloodstream.
Two years ago, researchers led by Randy Jirtle of Duke University Medical Center, showed that the activity
of a mouse’s genes can be influenced by food supplements eaten by its mother just prior to, or during, very
early pregnancy (New Scientist, 9 August 2003, p 14). Then, last year, Moshe Szyf, Michael Meaney, and
colleagues at McGill University, showed that mothers could influence the way a rat’s genes are expressed
after it has been born. If a rat is not licked, groomed, and nursed enough by its mother, chemical tags known
as methyl groups are added to the DNA of a particular gene. Years ago, this same phenomenon was
observed in unwanted babies who were allowed to lie alone in a crib, being given only needed food. They
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died from want of handling and caressing.
The affected gene codes for the glucocorticoid receptor gene are expressed in the hippocampus of the brain.
The gene helps mediate the animal’s response to stress, and in poorly raised rats, the methylation damped
down the gene’s activity. Such pups produced higher levels of stress hormones and were less confident in
exploring new environments. The effect lasted for life (Nature Neuroscience, vol 7, p 847). Now, the team
has shown that a food supplement can have the same effect on well-reared rats at 90 days old - well into
adulthood. The researchers injected L-methionine, a common amino acid and food supplement, into the
brains of well-reared rats. The amino acid methylated the glucocorticoid gene, and the animals’ behavior
changed. “They were almost exactly like the poorly raised group,” says Szyf.
The effect of TMG and of vitamins B6, B12, and folate is to reduce homocysteine (which sometimes builds
excessively due to a cystathionine beta-synthase, serine, magnesium, zinc, and/or vitamin B6 deficiency that
prevents transulfuration to cysteine and taurine), while controlling cysteine production, where
overproduction can be toxic. Additionally, TMG works in parallel with folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12, and
methionine to form S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) that donates methyl molecules that are vital to proper
liver function and cellular replication. Methyl groups are essential both for proper nerve transmission, and
for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath that covers and protects nerve cells. Supplements of
SAMe are available, but it is relatively unstable, breaks down into cysteine, and is somewhat costly. For
most, it is best to supplement TMG and the B-vitamins allowing the body to form SAMe. The exception
would be that supplementing SAM will give a more rapid response where that is desirable. Methyl Caps™
by VRP supplies TMG and these vitamins in a tasteless form that can be taken with food or water:
www.vrp.com or (800) 877-2447. If purchasing SAMe, buy tablets with enteric coating that supply vitamins
B6, B12, and folic acid, unless your child is undermethylated. Life Extension Foundation will supply quality
SAMe (www.lef.org). Actually, you can buy it at less than member prices from www.iherb.com. Doses
above 400 mg can cause dry mouth, gastric problems, and restlessness. The significance of enhancing
SAMe production is accented by the realization that SAMe levels decline with age and drop dramatically
with depression and with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia due to HIV
complications.
A new study published this abstract that introduces some considerations that are touched upon below. We
will pick up the methylation thread immediately after:
Creatine and Creatine Deficiency Syndromes: Biochemical and Clinical Aspects.
Nasrallah F, Feki M, Kaabachi N. Department of Biochemistry, Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
Creatine deficiency syndromes, which have only recently been described, represent a group of inborn errors of
creatine synthesis (l-arginine-glycine amidinotransferase deficiency and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase
deficiency) and transport (creatine transporter deficiency). Patients with creatine deficiency syndromes present
with mental retardation, expressive speech and language delay, and epilepsy. Patients with guaneidinoacetate
methyltransferase deficiency or creatine transporter deficiency may exhibit autistic behavior. The common
denominator of these disorders is the depletion of the brain creatine pool, as demonstrated by in vivo proton
magnetic resonance spectroscopy. For diagnosis, laboratory investigations start with analysis of
guanidinoacetate, creatine, and creatinine in plasma and urine. Based on these findings, enzyme assays or DNA
mutation analysis may be performed. The creatine deficiency syndromes are underdiagnosed, so the
possibility should be considered in all children affected by unexplained mental retardation, seizures, and
speech delay. Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency and arginine-glycine amidinotransferase
deficiency are treatable by oral creatine supplementation, but patients with creatine transporter
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deficiency do not respond to this type of treatment.
What is methylation? Your body’s chief mechanism for cellular housekeeping is methylation, a crucial,
chemical reaction that converts inorganic to organic forms. When methylation is inefficient and
sluggish, compounds may build to toxic levels. This is one of the most challenging areas of cancer
research. One significant toxic build up is the element antimony; another is homocysteine, a metabolite
in the pathway from methionine to sulfate, both normally detoxified by methylation. Elevated
homocysteine harms arteries, impairs circulation, damages cellular DNA, and contributes to
atherosclerosis, heart disease, cancer, depression, memory impairment, Alzheimer’s, and many other
conditions. This negative effect on DNA may lead to the cellular replication called cancer. The ability
for these cancer cells to normalize is an exciting area of cancer research. Only a few things are known to
provoke it, including vitamin A derivatives, hormones, vitamin D3, and emodin (found in grape vines
and other plants). Both acetylation and methylation have the ability to control the activation and
deactivation of genes. You must have homocysteine levels checked, treated, and rechecked for not all
respond to the typical low-dose regimen. The readings must be brought below seven mmol/L.
Nevertheless, Dr. Walsh made this statement about some very undermethylated individuls: “We have
studied the biochemistry of more than 20,000 patients since 1989. If an adult has a history of selfmotivation, perfectionism, OCD tendencies, and overachievement in early grades….. this usually means
they will exhibit high blood histamine, high basophils, and undermethylation. We have studied captains
of industry, sports stars, eminent scientists, etc., and most of them are undermethylated. Nearly all
dedicated long-distance runners are undermethylated. Most autistics appear to have a genetic or
acquired weakness in combating oxidative stress, such as that produced by toxic metals, viruses,
injuries, etc. Out-of-control oxidative stress screws up the SAM one-carbon methylation cycle resulting
in undermethylation, and low levels of glutathione, metallothionein, cysteine, etc. An interesting
difference is that most autistic undermethylators are low in folates, whereas non-ASD undermethylators
are usually overloaded in folates. Giving folic acid and B12 to an undermethylated patient with
depression or psychosis usually leads to disaster. Giving folic acid and methyl B12 to an ASD patient
usually results in good progress.”
Methionine needs to be resynthesized in the cell because it is converted to SAMe that is the general
methyl donor that makes, among other things, some neurotransmitters and some cell membrane
components. SAMe is the substance that methylates regions of genes to shut off their expression, and it
is critical for controlling gene expression. In order for homocysteine to be recycled to methionine and to
SAMe for reuse, and for antimony to be excreted, there must be adequate amounts of folic acid and
vitamins B6 and B12, and possibly DMG/TMG. Suggested are: Vitamins B12 (100 mcg per pound), folate
(10 mcg per pound), and TMG (10-20 mg per pound). Spread these through the day. They may be
energizing so you may want to give them in the earlier part of the day. Detoxification is costly to the
body’s resources, requiring large amounts of vitamins B6, B12, C, folic acid, methionine, betaine (TMG),
taurine, glycine, cysteine, and lecithin. Mercury decreases zinc and methionine availability, depresses
rates of methylation, and increases free radicals. Inhibitors of methylation block pancreatic secretion.
Disruption of the SAMe cycle by excess cystathionine beta synthetase and methyl-tetra-hydrofolate (a
metabolite of folic acid) (genetically induced in Down’s) results in an increased cysteine pool, and
decreased methyl groups available for DNA methylation and for the normal formation of NADH. TMG
and DMG (forms of the amino acid glycine) are methyl donors aiding in this methylation.
Glycine (the second component of magnesium glycinate) chelates mercury from the body. Glycine is a nonessential amino acid, but for people with mercury poisoning, it is essential to supplement it. Glycine is also
particularly beneficial for people with too much serotonin influence, and because it enhances bile production
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and contributes to glutathione production, it is a valuable supplement. Glycine forms creatine when combined
with arginine and methionine. Additionally, it readily converts to serine, a lack of which often disrupts the
sulfation pathway. For those lacking HCl, glycine enhances secretion of this vital digestive aid. In the CNS,
glycine is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter acting primarily in the brainstem and spinal cord. This action
may be responsible for anecdotal reports of positive effects in autistic children taking large doses of DMG or
TMG. Magnesium glycinate in large amounts (around 1000 mg/day) causes light-headedness, loss of
coordination, dizziness, and blurred vision. If these side effects from glycine (from the glycinate in magnesium
glycinate) occur, reduce dosage or discontinue use of magnesium glycinate.
The diet is another factor that influences the methylation cycle. Large quantities of methionine from food
(meat for instance) result in high levels of SAM. High levels of SAM down regulate MTHFR and MS
(methioninsyntase) even if their activity is already reduced. This results in, more or less, a block of the
remethylation of homocysteine, which accumulates even though the transulfuration pathway into cysteine is
up-regulated. When SAM is depleted, MTHFR and MS are again up-regulated. A vitamin B12 deficiency
gives the same result. (Maybe that’s why one common symptom of B12 deficiency is aversion to meat?)—
Dr. Christina Bolander-Gouaille of Sweden.
There is a MTHFR mutation that is present in up to 50% of the population. MTHFR polymorphisms appear to be
implicated in neurological and neuropathological disorders. Although MTHFR deficiency is associated with various
disorders, a recent study reported that betaine supplementation alleviated progressive neurological symptoms and
normalized the blood levels of methionine and SAM. The significance of this may be seen in MTHFR knockout
mice, which have impaired availability of methyl groups from mTHF. They utilize (and consequently deplete)
choline and betaine so as to maintain homocysteine remethylation. There is no evidence that nitrous oxide is unsafe
for carriers of this mutation, However, in children with developmental delay or altered homocysteine metabolism
(particularly Down’s), methionine levels should be determined before using nitrous oxide-containing anesthesia.
Folate-dependent remethylation of homocysteine to methionine is observed in all tissues, but an alternate remethylation
pathway in liver and kidney is carried out by betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), which utilizes betaine
(TMG) as the methyl donor. When folate-dependent remethylation is disrupted, the alternate pathway may be
particularly important. Large doses of oral betaine are the mainstay of therapy for patients with homocystinuria due to
severely compromised MTHFR activity, although betaine can also lower homocysteine in healthy subjects. The
betaine effect can be monitored by measurement of plasma homocysteine concentrations.
DMG’s greatest benefit has received little publicity. Studies show it can have a dramatic effect on the immune
system. A study at the University of South Carolina showed that when the immune system was challenged with a
vaccine, those taking DMG had 400% more antibody production than controls. Before administering any vaccines,
you may want to discuss the benefit this could be with your doctor. Additionally, the lymphocytes’ T-cell response
was increased—J. Infect Dis 81:143(1):101-104. It has been shown to increase interferon levels indicating possible
antiviral activity. Since many autistic kids have elevated T-cell activity indicative of autoimmunity, this may be
contraindicated for them—another thing to discuss with your doctor, and to have him monitor. A probably cause
for this autoimmune condition is that yeast infection can decrease the percentage of natural suppressor cells in tissue
fluids and blood—dropping from about 15 percent to as little as 1 percent. When the Candida infection is
successfully treated, the percentage of these suppressors rises toward normal, and the symptoms tend to clear.
There is a newly available substance that works in this same circuit with DMG/TMG, S-adenosylmethionine
(SAM) that, additionally, helps neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites. This makes the neurotransmitters more
active. It is also said to increase serotonin levels. This would seem safer than trying to control usage of
serotonin or other neurotransmitters by use of SSRIs. It has been proven more effective than the tricyclic
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antidepressants, helping the severely depressed who did not respond to other antidepressants, and it is without
the significant side effects of those drugs, though therapeutic intake may include a dry mouth, agitation, and
gastrointestinal problems. It is faster acting with no withdrawal period. I would urge its use, possibly along
with small amounts of 5-HTP, to control the above listed “autistic” behaviors.
It should be possible, then, to reduce these behaviors by increasing serotonin production naturally, rather than
by use of transport inhibitors (SSRIs) (that typically deplete the already reduced supply still further, loads the
system with fluoride that inhibits the thyroid, and inhibits Phase I liver enzyme function). If one determines that
the child may respond to more serotonin in the synapse, the best way to meet the need is by supplementing
magnesium and vitamin B6, the natural conservers of serotonin, and TMG or SAMe, and if necessary, small
amounts of 5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP), a metabolite of tryptophan that easily translates into increased
serotonin and melatonin. It is of interest to note that Michael Murray, ND, says that only 3% of oral tryptophan
is converted to serotonin, but 70% of 5-HTP is converted, so keep the servings small (30 to 50 or up to 100 mg
on an empty stomach before bedtime). 5-HTP, TMG, and SAMe are available at any health food store.
To ensure proper conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, supplement vitamin B6, folic acid, niacin, and
magnesium. A good choice would be Super Nu Thera™, by Kirkman Laboratories. It is specifically formulated
to help autistic children. They presently have one without vitamin A, so you can use fish-liver oil as your
source of cis vitamin A. Some have had difficulty in getting their child to take Super Nu Thera because of a
“not so great” taste. One “trick” that has worked for some is to place 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of plain ascorbic acid
(vitamin C) into water with the Super Nu Thera™. The taste and look are almost like orange juice.
Some are fearful of the higher amounts of vitamin B6 and magnesium in SNT. Dr. Bernard Rimland says that every
child is different, but he has found the average amount of vitamin B6 that is beneficial is around eight mg per pound
of body weight per day. The French found virtually the same, 17mg/kg/day. That is 500 mg per 60-pound child. Dr.
Rimland’s adult child has taken 1000 mg for longer than twelve years. He suggests starting with 1/4 the target
amount and increasing slowly over a 10-14 day period. The amount of magnesium necessary with the vitamin B6 is
3-4 mg per pound of body weight. That would be up to 240 mg for that 60-pound child. He further states that in
thirty years he has heard of only four cases of autistic children suffering neuropathy. He adds that if no benefit is
seen in six weeks, stop giving the high amounts. It is imperative that these higher amounts of vitamin B6 and
magnesium be taken with the underpinning of a good multivitamin/mineral supplement to avoid induced
deficiencies that probably account for every reported case of neuropathy. High amounts could induce a vitamin B2
deficiency otherwise. Vitamins B6 and B1 sit on opposite ends of a teeter-totter, with B1 adding CO2 to molecules,
and B6 removing CO2. One of the switch points into the Krebs cycle is made up of two enzymes that run in opposite
directions. One is dependent on B1, the other on B6. All B-vitamins are closely linked, and so must be supplemented
together. In general, the B-vitamins move little bits of things around, with B5 moving fatty acids, B3 moving
electrons and protons, B12 moving methyl radicals. One study found that people who took higher amounts of B6 live
an average of eight years longer than those in the control group. Dr Julian Whitaker, MD, reports success in
restoring nerve function using alpha lipoic acid. He recommends the time-release formula.
Additionally, tests show a marked difference in how autistic children metabolize these nutrients. After giving
500 mg of vitamin B6 orally to healthy children, the nutrient reached its maximum level in 2-hours and
returned to base level in 8-hours. Thus, the half-life was about 4-hours. In the autistic child, these figures are 5hours and 15-hours! In other words, the enzyme, aminotransferase, reaches maximum activity in 2-hours in
healthy children, but in the autistic child it took 2.5 times as long! This clearly shows why a higher dose of
vitamin B6 is required in autistic children.
According to Bruce N. Ames, professor of molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley, high doses of some vitamins
could play a big role in the treatment of disease and perhaps slow the effects of aging. Ames lists more than 50 genetic
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diseases successfully treated with high doses of vitamins, most of them inborn metabolic diseases caused by defective
enzymes. (The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2002). There may be many more diseases that can be
treated with high-dose vitamins, particularly the eight B-vitamins like niacin, thiamine, and pyridoxine. Similar results
with “genetic” diseases are being seen from supplementing glyconutrients.
Ames argues that the key to the effectiveness of high-dose vitamin therapy lies in the fact that vitamins are
converted to co-enzymes, which team up with enzymes to perform some essential metabolic functions.
Many diseases result from genetic mutations that reduce the ability of an enzyme to bind to its co-enzyme,
thereby reducing the rate at which the enzyme catalyses a molecular reaction. Saturating the body with high
doses of the appropriate vitamin increases co-enzyme levels to overcome the binding defect and boost the
reaction rate towards normal.
In four different double-blind experiments on 60 autistic children, scientists found that large doses of B6 (up
to 1,000 mg daily) coupled with magnesium (up to 500 mg daily) provided relief from many of the
symptoms of autism. Neither B6 nor magnesium alone is effective—Martineau J. et al Biological Psychiatry,
vol 20 p. 467 1985. Therapeutic doses start at 200 times the RDA for children age 1-4 (200-500 mg
pyridoxine or 25-50 mg pyridoxal 5 phosphate) and no toxic effects are known at this dosage. Parents in
some cases report hyperactivity, which is countered with additional magnesium at up to 4-mg/kg body
weight. Magnesium as well as taurine plays a significant role in seizure control. Some use taurine for ASD
children at up to 1000 mg/day. Excess taurine can harm zinc-deficient persons since it suppresses absorption
of zinc at the exterior wall of the intestines—Bill Walsh Email.
Some 42% don’t convert vitamin B6 to its necessary metabolite pyridoxal 5`-phosphate (P5P) (This conversion
of vitamin B6 to its active forms requires zinc, magnesium, riboflavin [vitamin B2], and Alpha-ketoglutarate, so
taking some of the coenzyme form of the vitamin may increase effectiveness—WSL.) We measured B6 levels
in children with autism, and found them to be well above normal (55 vs. 33). We also found that several
enzymes related to B6, including pyridoxal kinase, are dramatically less active than normal. Thus, the inability
to convert B6 to P5P leads to elevated levels of B6, but a functional need for high amounts of it—Jim Adams,
affiliation: professor, chemical and materials engineering, Arizona State University.
Many report that they cannot tolerate B-vitamins. Often, this seems connected to Candida overgrowth, but
magnesium is an essential cofactor in the conversion of thiamine and other B-vitamins into their active
forms. There have been reports of thiamine deficiency aggravated by magnesium depletion with refractory
response to thiamine until magnesium was given. The deficiency of vitamin B1 has also been reported as a
cause of epileptic seizures. It seems plausible that magnesium depletion could provoke Wernicke’s
encephalopathy, possible by suboptimum thiamine phosphorylation. Vitamin B6, too, is only phosphorylated
into its coenzyme (P5P) in the presence of magnesium.
One Mom wrote, “Previously, I could not tolerate anything but a low dose of plain B6. I think this was because I
was very low on alpha-ketoglutaric acid needed to convert B6 to P5P. (Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is destroyed by
Candida yeast.) When I first started on alpha-ketoglutaric acid combined with a very low dose B6, I was told to take
it in the morning because it may disturb sleep. Indeed, it sort-of made me jittery. I was told this would end in about
two weeks. It did. It was just an adjustment period while my body’s enzymes were starting to work again. When I
gave my daughter P5P, I gave it in the morning. After two weeks of 150 mg of P5P, my daughter could fall asleep at
night (she weighed about 120 pounds at the time. She is not autistic, but her sleep problem was severe). Afterward, I
just gave her 50 mg of P5P once or twice a week. This has been enough to keep the benefits.”
Zinc is required for the conversion of pyridoxine to P5P as is magnesium, vitamin B2, and alpha-ketoglutarate. Too
much B6 without B2 can deplete the body of B2 possibly leading to Cheilosis—swollen, cracked, bright red lips, a
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common symptom of B2 deficiency. Vitamin B2 is necessary for cellular growth and acts with vitamin A in helping
maintain the health of mucous membranes and the integrity of epithelial tissue. Vitamin B2 is needed in glutathione
production, in mitochondrial function for energy, and in the pathway that converts homocysteine to methionine and
SAMe. A shortage of vitamin B2 would hamper production of cysteine, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, taurine,
and the sulfate needed to detoxify Phase II toxins (PST). Vitamin B2 is probably the most commonly deficient vitamin
in America. It is needed for vitamin B6 to function, and is depleted by high intake of vitamin B6. Deficiency symptoms
are: sensitive, easily-fatigued eyes; blurred vision; itching-bloodshot eyes; dizziness; inflammation of mouth; sore
tongue; vivid red lips; dermatitis; itching nose; cracks in the corners of the mouth, and rash on the cheeks. Vitamin B2 is
an antioxidant that aids in utilizing oxygen. It lowers body pH. It aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Radiation
destroys 8% of B2 in foods. Remember, these nutrients (Zinc, magnesium, a-ketoglutarate, and vitamins B2 and B6) are
necessary to normalize the metabolism of, and to conserve the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.
Foods rich in riboflavin include: Lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Because riboflavin is
destroyed by exposure to light, foods with riboflavin should not be stored in glass containers. Benefits reported are,
variously, improved use of words, improved sleep, decrease in hyperactivity and irritability, better attention span,
increased interest in learning, and reduced self-injurious or aggressive behavior.
Studies show that when darkness is maintained, melatonin production is 3 times higher than daytime, but
maintaining a bright, night lamp or TV in the bedroom prevents that increased melatonin production. For the pineal
gland to function it must have distinct light/dark cycles. When you put the child to bed, make sure the room is dark,
and do not turn on the light during the night for melatonin production tends to stop. People are highly individualistic
in this, but high amounts of vitamin B12 can cause melatonin production to drop more dramatically in response to
light at night, and it will take longer to recover once the light is turned off. How long must you be exposed to bright
light at night before your melatonin production is inhibited? As little as five minutes, according to a 1989 study.
Additionally, electromagnetic forces from a clock or other electrical machine in the bedroom will deplete this
powerful antioxidant that protects the whole body. It is by this mechanism that a loss of melatonin to EMF is
thought to increase the risk of breast cancer. Testing shows that supplementing additional antioxidants, as with
Ambrotose AO™, protects the body against EMF radiation damage. To increase melatonin, take a hot bath. To
solve a stubborn sleep problem, tape a kidney bean to the inside of the right wrist, three finger widths above the
crease of your wrist. Yeah, ask your Chinese Medicine doctor why.
Many studies have shown that attention deficit and/or hyperactivity disorders in children are linked to changes in
the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, and that irritability and aggressive behavior are linked to thyroid
hormone levels and hypothyroidism. Make the iodine/morning temperature tests and support the thyroid if
indicated. Hyperactivity is a common symptom of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium supplements are
recommended for treatment of hyperness in many conditions besides the treatment of ASD. A magnesium
deficiency depletes vitamin B1, so this should be added when supplementing magnesium. Other supplements
known to help with the hyperness are calcium, zinc, folic acid, chromium, and iodine. Dr. Lynn Wecker and his
colleagues at Louisiana State Medical Centre observed that the autistic population had significantly lower levels of
calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, and chromium, and higher levels of lithium as compared to sex and agematched controls. Bill Shaw and Jim Adams found low levels of iodine, lithium, and potassium. Lithium is said to
be always low in a child extremely mercury poisoned (Medline). It is also typically low in mothers of autistic
children, indicating again that most mothers of autistic children have undiagnosed thyroid and adrenal gland
insufficiency or antibodies thereto. Shaw suggests this may be from the Mothers drinking distilled or Reverse
Osmosis filtered (bottled) water that has had all vital trace minerals removed. Nevertheless, copper is frequently
high to toxic levels. He further states that he hs found low lithium in hair samples from patients with
schizophrenia. Lithium is needed to transport folate and vitamin B12 into the brain and a lack may be the reason
such high doses of these vitamins are needed by some autistics. Shaw informs us that the typical lab studies on
lithium are applicable only in monitoring high doses of lithium drugs. They are useless in measuring the very low
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levels of lithium associated with nutritional needs (suggested to be 14.5 mcg/kg). It is of interest to note that iodine
hooks up to the double bond in fats, and if a patient were iodine deficient and added a lot of fat to the diet without
supplementing iodine, they would run out of iodine, hence, deep depression. Conversely, the fat person needs a lot
of iodine! Adequate iodine will chelate mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals.
Additionally, in a placebo-controlled study on prisoners with a history of impulsive/aggressive behavior, the group
taking low amounts of lithium (10-15 mg twice a day) had a significant reduction in aggressive behavior and
infractions involving violence. It is helpful also to raise white-blood-cell count and to protect against loss of white
cells in chemotherapy,, radiation,and heavy metal detoxification with DMSA/DMPS. Lithium also tends to
normalize thyroid function, particularly in Grave’s Disease, but can compete with iodine in the thyroid.
Researchers at Wayne State University (Detroit) found that high dose lithium has the ability to both protect and
renew brain cells (3% increase in gray matter in four weeks)! In Ischemic stroke (loss of blood flow), death of
brain cells was reduced by 56%! Further, anticonvulsant medications cause abnormal levels of brain-cell death,
but lithium significantly protects against this type of cell death. Researchers concluded that lithium should be
administered with any type mood-altering drugs, and that would extend to caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, or other
“recreational” drugs. Additionally, lithium is said to chelate aluminum. It aids in removing excess uric acid as well.
Combined with zinc, it has proven helpful in anorexia, enabling needed weight gain. Lithium and selenium have
antiviral properties. Lithium has been successful in increasing white blood cell numbers (using 5-10 mg twice a
day). Studies of lithium have also shown it to have profound immunoregulatory effects in animals and humans. In
a study of the effect of lithium on ex vivo cytokine production, Rapaport and Manji (2001) found a decrease in the
levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-2 and interferon-gamma and an increase in the anti-inflammatory
cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. In a study of healthy human subjects, lithium had major immunoregulatory effects,
including increases in both proinflammatory and negative immunoregulatory cytokines or proteins when
stimulated by lipopolysaccaride and phytohemaglutinin (Maes et al., 1999). I suggest Lithium Orotate (5 mg)
from www.life-enhancement.com; others have di-calcium phosphate. Lithium at 30 mg day for adult diabetics
reduced blood sugar levels after meals an average of 30-35%. Similar results were seen in fasting sugar levels (Hu
M. Et al, 1997).
Mercury causes decreased lithium levels, which is a factor in neurological diseases such as depression and
Alzheimer’s. Chung and colleagues found that lithium protects brain cells against the excitotoxic effects of excess
glutamate and calcium (that kill brain cells). Additionally, low levels of lithium cause abnormal brain-cell
balance and neurological disturbances related to lowered levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin,
and norepinephrine. It has been helpful in reducing cravings for alcohol, and will improve sleep of alcoholics and
their relatives. Lithium also is important in vitamin B12 transport and distribution, and studies have found low
lithium levels common in learning disabled children (adding lithium increased learning 10%), incarcerated violent
criminals, and people with heart disease. Lithium supplementation has been found to be an effective treatment
adjunct in conditions such as bipolar depression, autism, and schizophrenia where mania or extreme hyperactivity is
seen. Lithium may block production of fatty acids, so take some EPO in conjunction with it. Dr. Jonathan Wright
has found that taking fatty acids with lithium offsets any toxicity, even in pharmaceutical doses. Interestingly,
Lithium Orotate is targeted specifically to mitochondria and will not show on a typical blood test!
Rapid-cycling bipolar depression is seen increasingly in children. This is a “Jekyll and Hyde” personality change
involving sleep disorders, rages and explosive temper tantrums, marked irritability, oppositional behavior,
distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness/fidgetiness, silliness, giddiness and goofiness, racing thoughts,
aggressive behavior, self-injurious behavior, carbohydrate cravings with bingeing, risk-taking behaviors, tics, and
OCD. Not all these behaviors indicate bipolar depression, but several combined should raise that possibility.
Lithium, Omega–3 oils, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 offer the best approach to solving these troubling
behaviors. Multiple nutrient deficiencies and hypothyroidism may make it difficult to utilize the EFAs. They would
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likely be more efficiently utilized when taken with a digestive enzyme containing Lipase.
Kirov has observed an association between severity of anxiety or depression and low plasma Mg. Pliszka and
Rogeness measured serum Mg in 165 boys admitted to a psychiatric hospital and found low Mg levels to be
associated with dysphoric (downcast) mood and sleep disorders. A French team has recently demonstrated that Mg
aspartate-HCl was as effective as Lithium in stabilizing the mood swings of rapid-cycling bipolar depressives
(usually seen in children). A recent Harvard study showed EPA and DHA supplements to be more effective than
psychiatric medications in combating bipolar depression. One study found that even with signs of lithium toxicity,
the use of a fatty acid supplement removed all the signs.
Using an assay developed by Dr. David Horrobin of Laxdale Ltd., biochemists at the Victoria
Hospital in Glasgow have shown an increase in the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme in blood
cells from individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The PLA2 releases polyunsaturated
fatty acids (PUFA), such as EPA, DHA, and arachidonic acid (AA), from cell membranes
resulting in membrane damage and the production of highly inflammatory substances known as
prostaglandins (PgE2 and PgE3), leukotrienes, and thromboxanes, known collectively as
eicosanoids.
How can abnormal PLA2 and excessive eicosanoid production result in the physiological
and psychological problems found in ASD? The cells of the neural system contain high
levels of PUFA representing between 15-30% of neural tissue by dry weight and, of those,
AA and DHA represent 80-90% of the total. In normal, synaptic function, AA and DHA are
released into the synaptic junction by the action of PLA2, along with neurotransmitter
compounds, followed by re-uptake of the neurotransmitter and PUFA. If PLA2 activity is
elevated, an excess of PUFA may be released into the synapse resulting in oxidation of the
free PUFA. Oxidized PUFA can set up a cascade of reactions resulting in extensive free
radicals and eicosanoids causing inflammatory reactions and cellular damage.
In the cells of the gut epithelium and endothelium, AA is the predominant PUFA and Omega-3
(n-3) PUFA are only minor components. If elevated PLA2 is present in these cells, free AA will
be produced and a range of highly inflammatory eicosanoids produced. In addition lysophospholipids, which remain after phospholipase action, are potent cytolytic agents (that cause
cell membrane breakdown) that may cause “leakiness” in gut cells.
The cells of the immune system, including lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils, require
PLA2 to produce prostaglandins and leukotrienes essential for enabling immune cells to locate
and destroy pathogenic organisms. While low levels of prostaglandins, particularly PgE2, are
stimulatory to the immune system, high levels tend to reduce immune responses. Thus, increased
PLA2 could result in immune suppression as well as increasing (inflammation and) the
prevalence of autoimmune disorders such as asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.
Work in our laboratory, using red blood cells (RBC) as a model system, has suggested that
PLA2 is elevated in individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The RBCs usually
contain less EPA and DHA and, sometimes, more AA than control subjects. In addition, the
RBC-membrane PUFA composition appears particularly unstable on storage at -20oC in
patients with autism, compared to control subjects. This is strongly indicative of increased
PLA2 in the RBC, perhaps coupled with increased oxidation of highly unsaturated fatty
acids (HUFA). Recently, in conjunction with the Victoria Hospital in Glasgow and Laxdale
Ltd, increased PLA2 has been confirmed in a number of individuals with autism and
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Asperger’s syndrome…. EPA is an inhibitor of PLA2 activity, and probably helps to
stabilize cell membranes and reduce inflammatory reactions by competing with AA (limits
production of) and modulating the effects of AA-derived eicosanoids…. An EPA intake of
around 1-2 g per day seems to be appropriate. (Elevated AA produces excessive PgE2 and
PgE3 causing inflammatory actions through the body. These can be controlled by managing
fatty acids in the manner suggested in the Section “Managing Fatty Acids” which includes
liberal use of antioxidants. CLO, sesame lignans, and bromelain that are powerful antiinflammatories—WSL.)
These notes from Dr. Klinghardt: The Phospholipase 2 (PLA2) destroys essential fatty acids. Therefore PLA2
stimulants should be avoided. A high carbohydrate intake with its resultant increase in insulin is a
profound stimulator of PLA2. So, the patients should have a diet low in carbohydrates (I’m not talking
Atkins’). This will automatically lower dietary fats by 30% (high carbohydrate foods are usually high in fat).
Avoid all grains, including rice. No bread! So, in the future, eat vegetables with eggs. The therapeutic goal in
brain diseases is to break down long-chained, fatty acids. So, you should avoid peanut oil, rapeseed oil
(Canola), safflower oil, and mustard, because they contain long-chained fatty acids. (These VLCFAs cannot be
broken down largely because your child is hypothyroid and his Phase I liver enzymes may be depressed. Do
the Iodine Test, and support the thyroid as outlined herein.)
Since inflammation is the root of all chronic health problems, I rehash this fatty-acid problem here in more
detail: Dr. Floyd Chilton, a researcher in inflammation, in his book “Winning the War Within” offers some new
insights: he says that we need to take in more GLA and less arachidonic acid (AA) (nevertheless, some Autistic
kids have too little of this vital AA). A large part of the GLA goes to the liver where it is converted into AA, the
source of inflammatory prostaglandins (PgE 2 and 3) and leukotrienes. Fat Cells are also major producers of
inflammation. They multiply numbers of macrophages that in turn produce inflammatory messengers such as
tumor necrosis factor, alpha [TNF(a)] and C-reactive proteins. Obese people release more than seven times as
much TNF(a) as lean people! Obese women have more than six times the amount of C-reactive protein as their
shapely sisters (obese men have twice as much).
However, the GLA is not just used by the liver to create inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes, but the
immune cells use GLA/DGLA to produce PgE1 that inhibits enzymes that create these inflammatory
eicosanoids, turning down the fires of inflammation. Thus, the immune cells need more GLA to offset the
dietary intake and the liver’s activity in producing the AA. He suggests adults (with inflammation) need to take
in 640 to 950 mg GLA per day (for prevention, 450 to 550 mg/day). The latter would take a supplement of 41300 mg Evening Primrose oil capsules, but there are GLA supplements available also.
Additionally, the amount of Arachidonic Acid allowed to accumulate by dietary intake or by conversion of
GLA/DGLA to AA in the liver must be controlled. First, by avoiding foods unnaturally high in AA (farmed
salmon and tilapia and other foods unnaturally fed omega-6 (corn/soy) instead of omega-3 (algae/grass/hay).
Secondly, by blocking conversion of DGLA to AA by eating more omega-3 foods (specifically EPA-rich fish,
not plant-based alpha linolenic acid - flax, Canola - as they don’t convert well to EPA) and supplements (fish
oil, which is rich in preformed EPA/DHA). EPA tends to block the Delta-5 desaturase enzyme that produces
AA. To supplement GLA in high amounts without balancing it with EPA would be pro-inflammatory and, over
time, very damaging. In addition to inflammation, excess AA promotes sticky platelets, predisposing to poor
circulation and heart problems. The American Heart Association recommends a high intake of 1-gram of EPA
plus accompanying DHA per day, and up to 4-grams to lower triglycerides. These high dosages can cause
digestive problems: headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and loose stools.
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Although Arachidonic acid (AA) has been given a negative association, it is the most prominent essential fatty
acid in the red cells and comprises 12% of the total brain and 15.5% of the body lipid content. Although EPA
can provide some limited control over Delta-5 Desaturase, this enzyme is under profound hormonal control,
that of insulin and glucagon. Consistent control of inflammation is thus dependent upon our dietary’s effect
upon these two hormones. Additionally, when AA is depleted by overdosing with marine or flax oil, or by
pyrroluria or hypothyroidism, the competitive inhibition between the omega 3s and 6s will make the
establishing of a balance of the EFAs difficult.
Often, both prostaglandin one and two series are compromised when flax and marine oils are overdosed or fat
intake is insufficient. When AA, the lead eicosanoid of the body, is suppressed due to excess intake of marine
oils, the balance of eicosanoid control circuitry of the body is impaired as is clearly seen in the patient’s
presentation. Arachidonic acid is preferentially wasted in states of heavy metal toxicity (Tiin and Lin, 1998),
and is sharply suppressed in RBC lipid analysis in states of heavy metal toxicity (Kane, clinical observation
1997-2002). Additionally, it is usually suppressed in Pyrroluria, hypothyroidism, and with underactive Phase I
Liver enzymes. This is particularly significant in that arachidonic acid supports acetylcholine secretion,
enhancing cognitive abilities. Selection of high AA-content foods (farmed salmon, tilapia, organ meats, turkey,
fat pork, and eggs) can be most helpful in these instances.
To balance the recommended intake of 600 mg GLA, according to Chilton, would require 300-350 mg/day of EPA.
A proinflammatory intake of 650-900 mg GLA should be balanced with 450-540 mg EPA. This is considerably less
than recommended by Victoria Hospital in the above quotation. I suppose it depends upon whether you are relying
only upon EPA, or whether you are depending upon GLA to help quench the inflammation. Sesame seed extract
also blocks Delta-5 Desaturase, the same as does EPA (Life Extension Foundation combines them). Remember that
a high intake of EPA will reduce the very desirable DGLA production by 35%.
Adults eating fatty fish two or three times a week will need to supplement only half these amount. His studies
also show that children require far less fish oil to achieve the same blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acids as
adults; so, I have lesser recommendations elsewhere in this paper. In supplementing these fatty acids, one must
preload and supplement high amounts of vitamins C and E and selenium to counter the increased free-radical
activity the oils engender. Ambrotose AOR (by Mannatech) is a must. Remember, one with pyrroluria,
hypothyroidism, and inhibited Phase I liver enzymes will be deficient in Arachidonic acid and must avoid taking
EPA (supplement GLA) until the AA levels have been restored.
While one can supplement high amounts of GLA to overcome chronic inflammation, it is far better to
recognize why we need a supplement. It is because of a too-high intake of Omega-6 oils (and too much
carbohydrate that promotes excess insulin). We take in 20X’s too much polyunsaturated oils (linoleic acids
from canola, soy, safflower, peanut, etc.), and we eat such an imbalanced diet that we cannot convert these
excess, Omega-6, fatty acids to GLA because the Delta-6 Desaturase enzyme is being blocked. Specifically, we
eat a high-carbohydrate, high-glycemic dietary that creates a chronically-high insulin level that, along with
certain nutrient deficiencies, block Linoleic acid from being converted to GLA and drives such GLA as is to be
had toward AA because insulin not only blocks Delta-6 Desaturase, but it overwhelms the inhibitory effect of
EPA on Delta-5 Desaturase.
In addition to chronic inflammation, what’s the result of this unmetabolized abundance of Linoleic acid?
According to Dr. Richard Hubbard, a fatty-acid researcher at Loma Linda University, cancer! It would surely
be wise to reduce polyunsaturated oils, replacing them with monounsaturated/saturated (olive and coconut oil)
and Omega-3 foods and oils, and to eat according to ones metabolic type from a low-glycemic menu (the
protein to carbohydrate ratio is vital). This would restore insulin/glucagon balance and enable control of both
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Delta-6 and Delta-5 Desaturase reducing the need for a GLA supplement.
Temperature determines the need for Omega-3 oils. Intake of Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratios should be: Alaska
and Canada, especially in central/northerly regions 1:1, in more southerly latitudes: 3:1, in the USA, 4:1, and in
the tropics and deserts, 10-1.
Let’s return to the previous thread: One group with high copper and low zinc, sodium, and potassium tended to
have extreme tempers, while another group with low zinc and copper, but high sodium and potassium tended to be
sociopathic (aggressive, antisocial). Some factors that have been documented in depression, impulsiveness, and
violent behavior are low serotonin levels, abnormal glucose tolerance (hypoglycemia), and low chromium and
folate levels, which has been found to be a caused by mercury toxicity. One mechanism by which mercury has been
found to be a factor in aggressiveness and violence is its documented inhibition of the brain neurotransmitter
acetylcholine. Low serotonin levels and/or hypoglycemia have also been found in the majority of those with
impulsive and violent behavior. It was found that treatment (including nutritional therapy) of delinquent or violence
prone individuals for metals-related problems usually produced significant improvements in mood, behavior, and
functionality, with complete cure in the majority of cases. Excess copper stimulates production of the
neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that control aggression and
irritability, tending to aggression and violence. A normal copper, low zinc ratio will have similar effect. Recent
finding that copper suppresses GABA ties together pancreatic damage to disruptions in copper/zinc ratios in the
body. Copper is also required for monoamine oxidase, an enzyme related to catecholamine utilization in the synapse
(it clears excess transmitters).
Aggressive and violent behavior was greatly reduced, and a fantastic increase in academic performance in math and
English occurred in New York City Schools in a 1986 study (Schoenthaler 1986a, 1986b). The number of learningdisabled kids fell by an astonishing 74,000 in one year. They simply removed sugar from the school diet! They
served nothing with more than 11% sugar (fruit).
Schoenthaler has achieved similar results simply by adding a once-daily, vitamin/mineral supplement to the diets of
delinquents, adult felons, and ordinary elementary school children. In one investigation, people receiving a
multivitamin/mineral supplement displayed less antisocial or violent behavior, compared with those receiving a
placebo. “The most common vitamins to be low among children whose conduct and academic performance
improved after nutritional intervention are pyridoxine, folic acid, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C”, he said.
One study of juvenile delinquents and adult felons in five states found that the “offenders with the worst behavior
consumed the least vitamins and minerals.” In California prisons, convicts with up to four nutritional deficiencies
were 50 percent more likely to be involved in serious violent incidents, and those with five to nine nutrient
deficiencies were 90 percent more likely to be involved in such incidents.
Additionally, low DHA has been associated with increased aggression, violence, depression, and suicide. Women
with low DHA have a much higher incidence of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia during
pregnancy as well as post-partum depression and OCD. Nevertheless, the practice of giving DHA supplements
alone is highly suspect as DHA is one of several fatty acids that need to be had in balance, as found in cod-liver oil.
Taken alone, it may increase hyperactivity. Without EPA, DHA can be toxic. Some babies on DHA-enriched
formulas have developed intestinal gangrene. Low DHA is a marker for low serotonin. A vitamin-A supplement
(cod-liver oil), and balancing of zinc/copper ratios also affect the behaviors of these kids. Most are deficient in zinc.
Besides causing obesity, a shorter attention span, and more defiant behavior, the following is one more reason to
keep those refined and sugar coated cereals away from children: Researchers discovered a child who eats too much
bread may grow up with short-sightedness. They found that refined starches in breads and cereals increase insulin
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levels during digestion. This can affect the development of the eyeball, making it abnormally long and causing
shortsightedness. Rapid digestion of the starches forces the pancreas to pump out more insulin. That leads to a fall in
a binding protein that in turn upsets eyeball development. Refined sugar intake increases magnesium (and calcium)
excretion in the urine, which causes depletion of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. The bottom line is that
humans were not designed to tolerate high glycemic carbohydrates or sugar. Continued high, daily use of sugar can
result in a chronic state of serotonin excess with a dopamine deficiency, resulting in irritability. Many other evils of
sugar and high-glycemic foods are mentioned herein. Please take note.
Many Autistic children have an excess of serotonin packed into the platelets, but a seeming deficite in the brain.
Since there is no indication that the ones with these problems of hyperactivity and aggressiveness are necessarily the
ones with excess serotonin-platelet saturation, and no symptoms have been associated with that condition; I believe,
where these behaviors are a problem, and the above nutrients have been first supplied and sugars greatly reduced, it
warrants introducing SAMe or 5-HTP in small, increasing amounts while carefully observing behavior. If present
symptoms worsen, reduce or discontinue the supplement. As always, make such a potentially serious change only
in consultation with your medical professional. First, make sure the child eats protein at every meal. Disguise it.
Supplement amino acid powders, Seazyme™ (a predigested concentrate of white fish), and Sunflower seeds (7.5%
carbohydrate and 52 percent protein! Omega-6 content [Linoleic acid] of sunflower is 57% (sic). Interestingly, no
other oil comes close to its vitamin E—222 mg per 100 grams of oil). Whatever you do, get protein down him. This
is absolutely necessary for growth and development, and “normal” behavior. For sleep problems primarily, take 5HTP (up to 100 mg) two to four hours before bedtime (each child may vary in how long it takes to work). A backdoor approach would be to give the child melatonin before bedtime. At daylight, it becomes serotonin and this all
occurs within the brain. No serotonin is produced within the body. This has solved the sleep problem for many. For
the behavioral problems take 25 mg 5-HTP several times through the day. This could be a problem for school if the
child is made to be drowsy, in that case reduce the amount or give it later in the day.
Many find the solution to sleep problems with a supplement of melatonin (1/2 to 3 mg, 20 minutes before bedtime).
Since 1/2 mg will restore normal nighttime levels, more does not necessarily work better. There are, potentially,
several benefits to taking supplemental doses of melatonin other than improved sleep; for example, it promotes
absorption of zinc, stimulates the thyroid, inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha, and as tests show, it protects against
brain damage from mercury poisoning reducing potential for Alzheimer’s (without it, glutathione was reduced 30%,
and other damage occurred). It is a powerful antioxidant, able to enter every cell of the body. Dr. Reiter found
melatonin to be 5.9 times more effective than glutathione and 11.3 times more effective than mannitol in fighting
dangerous, hydroxyl radicals. It is reported that if you give the child a small dose of melatonin daily in the morning,
and then the rest at night, it will ‘steady’ the melatonin levels so they don’t peak out at 2:00 a.m. causing him to
awake. It seems to be successful with many of these kids. For a couple of days, the child may be pretty sleepy. To
avoid problems at school, start this regime on a Saturday. Nevertheless, this could result in some degree of sleep
disturbance, and may interfere with the circadian regulation of certain hormones.
It is vital that you solve the problem of sleep deprivation for the sake of both you and the child. One study
showed that chronic sleep deprivation leads to a cellular magnesium deficiency that in turn disrupts sleep.
(Another shows that an average of less than 6.5 hours of sleep increases insulin insensitivity by 40%. The
raised insulin levels tend to overweight, and diabetes.) There was an increase in the thromboxane B2 level, thus
promoting coronary arterial spasm and thrombus formation. Additionally, people are not chronically ill unless
there is a coagulation regulatory protein defect as seen in Thrombophilia or Hypofibrinolysis. Raised insulin
causes the blood to clot too readily and causes the conversion of macrophages into foam cells, which are the
cells that accumulate the fatty deposits. Every step of the way, insulin is causing cardiovascular disease. It fills
the body with plaque, it constricts the arteries, it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and it increases
inflammation, thus increasing platelet adhesiveness and coaguability of the blood. This starves cells for oxygen
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and reduces ability to detoxify the cells. Chronic disease is the result.
Glutathione has been mentioned many times. It is a small protein molecule composed of the amino acids cysteine,
glutamine, and glycine. It is a powerful antioxidant found in fish and meats, and fruits, and raw vegetables
(asparagus, avocados, and walnuts). It is the body’s major detoxicant that binds to fat soluble toxicants, heavy
metals, solvents, and pesticides, making them water soluble so they can be excreted through the kidneys (Phase II
detoxification). It has been associated with prevention of cancer and cataract, and Dr. Lejeune correlated IQ and
glutathione levels. It is greatly depleted in mercury poisoning, and children with autism are universally lacking in
this vital nutrient, as are older people and diabetics. Increasing tissue levels is associated with improved good
health in older folks. I believe it is the lack of glutathione that causes children to be heavily poisoned by heavy
metals, pesticides, and arsenic. Never give your child Tylenol™ for it depletes the liver and lungs of all their
glutathione in minutes! Haloperidol depletes glutathione, CoQ10, and NADH, all necessary to mitochondrial
energy production. Candida’s main deleterious effect is avid binding of vitamin B6 and coenzyme Q10. When
CoQ10 is depleted 25%, clinical symptoms occur, when levels drop 75%, death occurs! A person of 77 may have
57% less CoQ10 in the heart muscle than a 20 year old (Larsen 2002)! Lipitor™, the leading statin drug, dropped
CoQ10 levels by 49% in a two-week study (Columbia). Additionally, Glutathione requires vitamins B2, B6,
zinc, and selenium to be formed. Vitamin C (500 mg divided into two or more doses) increases its levels by
50%, Ambrotose® by 100%, Phyt•Aloe® by 200% (both by Mannatech™). When sulforaphane (from
Phyt•Aloe’s cruciferous vegetables) reaches the cell, it also activates a group of proteins called Phase II enzymes.
Supplementing milk thistle, whey protein, alpha lipoic acid, SAMe, and glutamine are known to increase
glutathione. These latter ones have to be used with understanding as they are contraindicated in some children.
Exercise increases the body’s oxidative burden by calling on the tissues to generate more energy. Making
more ATP requires using more oxygen, and this in turn results in greater production of oxygen free
radicals. Studies in humans and animals indicate GSH is depleted by exercise, and that for the habitual
exerciser, especially those who exercise more than an hour, supplementation with GSH precursors may be
a prudent policy. Liver GSH stores are also sensitive to depletion by malnutrition or starvation and by
Tylenol™. These are the symptoms of glutathione deficiency: Coordination problems, generalized cell
damage, mental disorders, various nervous system disorders, tremors and twitching; red cells tend to burst,
white blood cells decline in function, and nerve tissue degenerates. In animals that cannot make their own
ascorbate (newborn rats, guinea pigs), GSH depletion was fatal. Supplementation of the diet with ascorbate
protected these animals against GSH depletion and saved their lives. Interestingly, this story has a “flip
side”- guinea pigs placed on an ascorbate-deficient diet were salvaged by dietary administration of GSH
and its precursors. Thus, these two water-phase antioxidants are tightly linked: GSH can conserve vitamin
C, and ascorbate can conserve GSH.
GSH deficiencies have been documented in a number of pulmonary diseases, including acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and neonatal lung
damage. Patients with ARDS and sepsis have a deficiency of GSH in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) as compared
with healthy subjects, and a greater percentage of the total ELF glutathione is in the oxidized form (GSSG), indicating
increased oxidative stress in the lower respiratory tract. When GSH was repleted in their ELF using intravenous Nacetylcysteine, patients in intensive care regained independent lung function and left the intensive care unit significantly
faster. Autistic children typically have 1/3 normal GSH levels, so it is apparent that every measure to restore GSH
levels should be utilized. Oral N-acetylcysteine, Ambrotose AO, Phyt•Aloe, vitamin C, all boost GSH.
Abstract: At a single evening dose of 5-10 mg of melatonin (MLT), the pineal gland hormone can exert a positive
effect on the frequency of epileptic attacks in children with sleep disturbances of various etiologies. We have
shown that the sleep behavior can be normalized and existing epilepsy can be favorably influenced. Pretherapeutic
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MLT secretion profiles can provide new information concerning the origin and treatment of these disturbances. In
vitro experiments suggest that this effect might be the result of the interaction between MLT and MLT-specific
receptors in the neocortex. Due to its favorable safety profile, MLT can be liberally administered in the specified
doses and be considered as a useful antiepileptic drug—Fauteck J Schmidt H Lerchl A Kurlemann G Wittkowski
W Journal: Biol-Signals-Recept. 1999 Jan-Apr; 8(1-2): 105-10 1999 1422-4933.
Hypoglycemia not only precipitates the release of glutamate in the brain where it can become an excitotoxin, but it
magnifies the toxic effect of all excitotoxins. The amount of glucose in the brain regulates the removal of excess
glutamate from the synapses; thus, a drop in blood glucose allows the buildup of toxic glutamate. This depletes
glutathione. Conversely, a buildup of glutamate leads to the release of insulin, resulting in decreased blood sugar levels.
Unfortunately, many foods have excitotoxins added to them as taste enhancers. “The excitotoxins are known to trigger
the formation of enormous storms of free radicals, leading to prolonged lipid peroxidation (oxidation of cell
membranes and membranes within the cell). A recent study found that newborns exposed to MSG from day 1-10 still
had a free radical elevation of 56% eighty days later. Such chronic, free-radical generation is known to produce
damaging secondary, lipid-peroxidation products.
Another abstract with no title credits says in part: Recent data indicate that melatonin inhibits brain glutamate
receptors and nitric oxide production thus suggesting that it may exert a neuroprotective and anti-excitotoxic effect.
Melatonin has been seen to prevent seizures in several animal models, and to decrease epileptic manifestations in
humans....The results suggest that melatonin may have a useful role in mechanisms of neuroprotection, and they
also indicate its use in other cases of untreatable epilepsy. Another study is of interest: Children’s Memorial
Hospital, Chicago, in a report published by Lancet, found that, though their sleep problem was benefited, children
with severe nervous–system damage, using a dosage of five mg melatonin, experienced an increased incidence of
seizures that returned to previous levels on discontinuance. Other potentially negative effects (likely at higher doses
in a small number of users) could be daytime sleepiness (especially if taken in the morning), vivid dreams
(nightmares), abdominal pain, headache, and nausea. Natural sources of melatonin include Feverfew, St. John’s
Wort, seeds, tart cherries, bananas, tomatoes, oats, rice bran, sweet corn, wheat-grass juice, and ginger.
Additionally, Dr. Beth Malow, University of Michigan Health System, found that sleep apnea can be a
contributing factor in seizures. Many that were unresponsive to medications were found to have a sleep
apnea problem. Thirty-three percent of one study group had these sleep problems, and were prone to
experience seizures at night. Medications often made the problem worse.
Sleep can be poor because of sugar problems. When blood sugar drops in the middle of the night, the child will
awake. This may be from vitamin B deficiency. One who is vitamin B deficient goes to sleep easily, but keeps
waking up as the blood sugar goes up and down. One who lacks calcium may be restless and have difficulty falling
asleep. Once asleep, he may sleep well, but it’s tough getting there. If sugar is the problem, 5-HTP or melatonin
may not work until you remove the offending sugars and high glycemic foods from the diet, especially from the
evening meals or snacks and supplement vitamin B-complex. Feed him at least 30% protein with each meal.
Remember, sugar promotes Candida, with its multiple problems (yeast grows 200 times faster), and sugar can
actually make the child drunk and giggly!
One of the keys to orderly brain function is glutamic acid. When sugar is consumed, the bacteria in the intestines,
which manufacture vitamin B-complex, begin to die. The vitamin B-complex level declines, and the fatty acids they
give off to nourish the cells of the gut lining are diminished. When the vitamin B-complex is lacking, the glutamic
acid, a major brain fuel, is not properly processed and sleepiness occurs, with a decrease in short-term memory
function and a loss of numerical calculative ability. The removal of B-vitamins when foods are processed makes the
situation even more tenuous. This loss of B-vitamins needed to process lipids (fats), coupled with a high glycemic,
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processed-food diet creates the fatty acid deficiencies and imbalances. Vitamin B12 therapy is based in part upon the
role of vitamin B12 in synthesizing essential fatty acids. Best results seem to be had with injections of methylcobalamin, but be advised that vitamin B12 injections may turn the urine red!
Healing the Leaky Gut
To heal the digestion and the leaky gut, basically seven things are needed—supplement the following
divided into 2 or more servings:
1. The amino acid L-glutamine (1500 mg/day, a maximum for your child would be 3000 mg/day) that also
reduces blood and brain ammonia levels. Experiments with various animal models have demonstrated that the
provision of glutamine can result in better nitrogen homeostasis, with conservation of skeletal muscle. This leads to
better ability to learn, to retain, and to recall. There is also considerable evidence that glutamine can enhance the
barrier function of the gut. Furthermore, it is now known that the gut produces large amounts of a vital antioxidant,
glutathione, when adequate glutamine is present.
Glutamine is the principal metabolic fuel for small intestine enterocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages, and
fibroblasts (major players in the immune function). Supplemental use of glutamine increases intestinal villus
height, stimulates the gut’s mucosal, cellular proliferation, and maintains mucosal integrity. It also prevents
intestinal hyperpermeability and bacterial translocation, which may be involved in sepsis and the development of
multiple organ failure—Miller AL, Altern Med Rev, 1999 Aug, 4:4, 239-48.
L-glutamine is essential for the synthesis of the mucoproteins present in the mucous secretions of the GI tract.
These secretions are responsible for protecting the lining of the GI tract. In addition to protective qualities, Lglutamine administration has been known to actually improve mucosal structure and healing (Arch Surg
1990;125(8):1040-45). The Merck Index reports that cabbage contains vitamin U, the anti-ulcer vitamin, used in
“treatment of gastric disorders” (Merck Index, Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ. 1989, p 1581). Some of the healing
properties of cabbage may be due to its high L-glutamine content. Cabbage juice suppresses Candida yeast
infection (Heinerman, ibid, p56), and is an excellent laxative. Use it to clear impactions of the bowel.
Glutamine is often low due to yeast toxins. An adequate amount of this amino acid promotes the production of
growth hormone. Just be careful with glutamine. When it converts to glutamate in the intestines this releases
ammonia. Excess lysine tends to excess ammonia. If you have low arginine, it will be difficult to eliminate the
ammonia. Arginine also promotes the production of growth hormone. It is possible that the bacteria in the gut have
lowered the arginine levels. Dr. Braverman mentions a case presented by Stanbury and colleagues from MIT,
where the presenting symptom was constipation. The bowel flora contained the bacteria Streptococcus fecalis, a
potent source of arginine desaminase. This enzyme converts arginine back to citrulline, and an excess of the
enzyme caused a deficiency of arginine in the patient.
The net results of Strep infection are depletion of vitamin K, decreased glutathione, arginine, and sulfhydryl
protein levels, overstimulation of the immune system, increased TNF alpha (that triggers Tourette's
syndrome, facial tics, OCD, and Schizophrenia), potential autoimmune responses, and inflammatory
reactions against the GAGs in the GI tract. Supplement these nutrients while struggling with this invader
(see suggestions pertaining to TNF elsewhere in this paper.
So, to overcocme leaky gut, start correcting deficiencies of folic acid, B12, zinc, molybdenum, arginine, and
the other aminos that help remove ammonia, before trying glutamine. If ammonia is already high, alphaketoglutaric acid (alpha-ketoglutarate) might be a better place to start. It will convert to glutamate when it
absorbs ammonia. Glutamate then absorbs another ammonia molecule to become glutamine that delivers the
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unwanted ammonia to the urea cycle leading to the formation of urea that can be passed out through the
kidneys. α-ketoglutaric acid is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, and as such can be degraded to carbon
dioxide and water, or transformed into sugars. As an added bonus, alpha-ketoglutarate is needed to convert
B6 into its useable coenzyme form, P5P. Glutamate is an excitotoxin so don’t overdo. Get expert guidance
on using the aminos, and be very observant when you use them.
2. Bromelain (200 or more mg/day), a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory often available in item 3. It
should not be used with ulcer or gastritis as the protease may eat on the raw flesh. It “thins” the blood; so don’t
take it with prescription blood thinners or aspirin.
3. A digestive aid of pancreatic enzymes, including lipase, amylase, lactase, cellulase, and peptidase, (with ox
bile if there is evidence of indigestion of fat). Use enough to correct all observed stomach or bowel irregularities. A
good one is GI-Zyme™ by Mannatech™, Kirkman’s EnZym-Complete™ or SpectraZyme™ by Metagenics™
available from www.randallnutritioncenter.com/rcnc2000/spectrazyme.html, or Fern’s Nutrition, 1-800-229-3376.
These do not contain ox bile. There are only a couple of possible downsides. If you are taking large, regular doses of
aspirin or NSAIDS, these will make your stomach so raw, and your gut so leaky, that the protease could eat on your
stomach or gut. To protect the stomach from HCl and protease, drink a large glass of water one-half hour before eating
(this will hydrate the mucus lining of the stomach), and take the enzymes with the first part of your meal, unless they
are in veggie capsules. These take longer to dissolve. Take them 15 minutes before eating (mix it in a spoon of food for
children). Therefore, if taking lots of pain pills, or if you have an ulcer, or severe gastritis, find an enzyme supplement
without protease. RGardens, International, “Gamma-Zyme™”, 200 capsules for $30.00, is the only one I know of
(Phone 800-700-7767). The use of a supplement of arginine will greatly reduce this stomach and gut damage caused
by NSAIDs. NSAIDs also rob you of copper, so care must be used if copper deficient. One can also ask the doctor
about prescribing a form combined with copper, or take 4-8 mg copper, depending on the amount of NSAID being
used.
Some have found MSM as effective as Tagamet™ or Zantac™ in relieving ulcer pain and heartburn. Remember too,
that aspirin or aspirin-containing compounds or anti-inflammatory drugs such as indocin, butazolidin, or cortisone
should never be taken when hydrochloric acid is being supplemented. This combination increases the risk of ulcer.
Two enzyme tablets at bedtime are reported to usually desensitize you to pollens and things that cause
hayfever—and perhaps other allergies. Enzymes introduced in large amounts too quickly can affect the bowel:
usually diarrhea, intestinal bloating, peculiar acrid smell of the stool, and, in some cases, itching of the perianal area.
Work up to dose slowly, back off if these symptoms persist.
4. Probiotics: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifido Bifidus—these produce most of the available
vitamins B–complex and K, and the fatty acids (butyrate) that the cells in the lining of the gut depend on
for their nutrition, and they keep Candida yeast from becoming a problem. Additionally, by producing a
substance, Muramil Dipeptide, that activates synthesis of B- and T-lymphocytes, the healthy gut wall is
literally infiltrated, jam-packed, with B and T lymphocytes ready to protect the body from any invader.
Further, the beneficial flora of the gut synthesize such antiviral substances as interferon, lizocym, and
surfactiris that dissolve the membranes of lipid-envelope viruses. Take these on an empty stomach for best
results, possibly with a little baking soda water to help them survive the journey. These will not recolonize
the gut without some lactic acid; so, if casein free, take some S. boulardii. Supplementing probiotics
may be doubly vital when taking magnesium: Magnesium is a wide-spectrum antibiotic. Good bacteria
in the intestines are vital in nature’s plan to prevent diarrhea, but magnesium in the gut can, and usually
does, kill them. When taking large amounts of magnesium, use very large amounts of probiotics.
5. Supplement vitamins A and D [preferably as cod-liver oil (5000 to 10,000 IU vitamin A, 800 to 1200 IU
vitamin D. Should you not use CLO, then choose a water-miscible form of vitamin A and a capsule of D3, and the
minerals zinc (15-30 mg/day) and copper (in an 8:1 zinc/copper ratio unless testing shows there is high copper
already—as it probably will in autism--, but not exceeding five mg copper per day, and do not take them together) in
addition to a broad-based, multi-vitamin/mineral supplement Nutrilite™ Food Supplement by Amway™ or,
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preferably, GlycoBears® chewable multivitamin/mineral by Mannatech™. Zinc reduces intestinal permeability in
malnourished children with diarrhea. A lack of copper may cause seizures—Arch Dis Child, 1982;57[9]:716-18. A
lowered hematocrit (red blood cell count) can be indicative of lowered blood copper levels (copper induced anemia).
A 1977 South African Medical Journal study of vitamin A as therapy for excessive bleeding (bleeding is
the leading cause of hysterectomies). The article cited the use of vitamin A over a ten-year period at
Johannesburg General Hospital and documented a 92% cure rate! An extreme vegetarian diet,
recommended and promoted by many, depletes the body’s stores of vitamin A leading to malnutrition
and infection, and bleeding! A search of standard nutrition textbooks confirms that persons with low
thyroid function, babies, and young children are unable to convert beta carotene (found in vegetables
and used in place of vitamin A in most vitamin pills) into usable vitamin A. Patients with low thyroid
often have excess bleeding, and are at extreme risk of unneeded surgery to the reproductive organs. In
addition to this, many foods, particularly the soy foods with a high copper, diadzen, and genistein
content, are known to depress the thyroid function. The textbooks also state that vitamin A is needed for
iron absorption, and the building of blood, but few indeed will direct that vitamin A be taken with iron
supplements. Nevertheless, in tests of pregnant women, 68% responded to iron only, while 35% responded
to vitamin A only, but 97% responded to a combination of vitamin A and iron ([Lancet, November 27, 1993,
pp.1325-1328]. People with underactive thyroids are always vitamin A deficient. They cannot convert
beta-carotene to vitamin A because of a lack of iodine (Dr. Michael Cutler, MD), nor can they convert
vitamin A to the form usable by the eyes. Without adequate vitamin A they cannot convert the thyroid
hormone T4 to T3! Occasionally, you will see a yellow cast to the palms of the hands and bottoms of the
feet, or around the eyes and cheeks, due to an inability to handle carotene.
The antioxidant, vitamin A is vital to a child’s ability to sleep through the night, to have abundant energy, and to
have a strong immune system. Additionally, in South Africa, high death rates following measles vaccine were
reduced to virtually zero by injecting 200,000 IU of vitamin A with the vaccine! In an American study, kids who
stayed out of trouble got 8,000 IU of vitamin A in their diet, those who were usually in trouble, got 3,000! Grab that
CLO! Nevertheless, like zinc, absorbability and individual need for vitamin A can vary widely. If no improvement
is seen, keep increasing the daily intake by 10,000 IU per day (every 2 to 4 weeks) until benefits are experienced or
until a rough, dry, dirty rash appears around the neck or upper shoulders, or nausea, or headache occurs indicating
toxicity. Should this occur, stop the supplement for a few days until these symptoms disappear, then reinstitute the
supplement at a lower amount (Dr. Sidney Baker). If needed in these very high amounts, use water-soluble vitamin
A as it is far less likely to induce toxicity. Your doctor should monitor this type program.
Additionally, bleeding can be a sign of vitamin K deficiency. This is quite likely in autists because of a failure to eat
green vegetables and a lack of friendly bacteria in the gut (they make 80% of our available vitamin K). Vitamin K is
more than a blood-clotting vitamin, however. It is a powerful antioxidant, and necessary to vital function. It prevents
Arteriosclerosis by preventing hardening (calcification) of the smooth muscle of the arteries and prevents osteoporosis
by working with vitamin D in controlling calcium utilization, preventing excessive bone loss. Though it is a fat-soluble
vitamin, vitamin K is not stored and must be absorbed on a daily basis. The pancreas contains one of the highest levels
where it is involved with sugar regulation and aids in control of hypoglycemic related anxiety attacks. Vitamin K reacts
enzymatically with glutamate and calcium to ensure proper placement of calcium where it belongs in bone and teeth. It
is a cofactor for the conversion of glutamate to gamma carboxyglutamate. Lack of vitamin K would create a cycle of
deregulation in the glutamate/calcium pathway leading to further neurological inflammation. Excess glutamate also
leads to release of insulin that res,ults in decreased blood sugar levels. The amount of glucose in the brain regulates the
removal of excess glutamate from the synapses; thus, a drop in glucose allows the buildup of toxic glutamate. A
supplement of at least one milligram of vitamin K a day for children would be indicated, with 10 mg a day being
suggested for adults. Women who took a lot of vitamin D with low vitamin K had double the hip fractures!
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Dr. Woody McGinnis, MD, USA has this to say about copper: “I think a lot of our behavioral kids are
intolerant of even a milligram or two of extra copper, even in the face of high Zinc supplementation.
This is contrary to the usual proportional balance we like to strike. I get a serum Copper and a plasma
Zinc, and try to keep the ratio less than 1:1.” This intolerance is probably because normal levels of
copper are toxic to mercury-poisoned people. High copper is also one indicator of Candida.
Nevertheless, blood, urine, and even hair analysis may not reveal copper toxicity directly. Copper is
stored mainly in the brain, liver, and other organs, not in the blood or urine. The detection of copper
toxicity can be tricky, even with hair mineral analysis. Some people who have copper overload initially
don’t test high in copper because the copper is tightly stored in tissues and hasn’t yet been released into
circulation and deposited in the hair. If copper levels are low or normal, copper overload still can be
present but hidden. Several indirect indicators on a hair mineral test are also excellent to detect copper
imbalance. These include a hair calcium level greater than about 100 mg%, a potassium level less than
about 3 mg%, a sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.5:1, a zinc/copper ratio less than 6:1, an elevated
mercury level or a copper level less than 1.0 mg%. Severe Zn/Cu imbalance or zinc deficiency is
associated with irritability and rages! For more information on determining copper overload through
hair mineral analysis, have your health practitioner contact Trace Elements, Inc., at 1-800-824-2314.
When copper is high, the patient has cravings for foods that have high copper to zinc ratios such as
mushrooms, lobster, crab, canned prawns, cod, oysters, pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts,
almonds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, French fries, brewer’s yeast, chocolate, dried peaches, and liver.
Copper binds to pesticides, giving them easier entrance into organisms. “These biotoxins don’t just
affect the nervous system. They trigger release of inflammatory agents in the body that can inflame
almost any organ and cause multiple-system symptoms.” Biotoxins all do their damage by setting off an
“exaggerated inflammatory response” in humans. They hide out in fatty tissues where blood-borne
disease-fighters can’t get at them; thus, they trick the body’s immune system into launching attacks
against joints, muscles, nerves and brain. (This has come to be called “autoimmune disease” where the
body is said to be mistakenly attacking itself.)
“The body can turn off the macrophage cytokine response, so that the achiness, fever, headache, and
fatigue of a cold will go away, but there’s no negative feedback that stops the cytokine response from fat
cells,” says Shoemaker. “So, the illness doesn’t self-heal.”
Cholestyramine (CSM) is an FDA-approved medication that has been used to safely lower elevated levels of
cholesterol for more than 20 years. It isn’t absorbed; if it’s not taken with food, it binds cholesterol, bile salts,
and biological toxins from bile in the small intestine, and then the CSM-toxin complex is excreted harmlessly.
Shoemaker and Hudnell don’t have definitive answers yet as to exactly how or why CSM clears neurotoxins
from the body, but a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial of eight, Pfiesteria patients
positive for biotoxins showed that those who took a placebo remained ill, but improved following CSM
treatment. Data from 30 others he’s gathered since matches the original study data.
Shoemaker says while some patients notice immediate improvements, Lyme disease patients who’ve
been sick for more than five years usually require toxin-binding therapy for 4-8 weeks, he says. “Most
patients improve in two weeks, some with complete abatement of symptoms, but depending on the
amount of toxin in your body, it may take longer.”
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He believes the response of these patients to CSM therapy shows the underlying common theme of
neurotoxin-mediated illness, and that the proof that toxins were responsible for the illness is found when
patients recover, i.e., have no symptoms following treatment with his protocol.
“The proof of neurotoxin effect comes from watching the biomarkers change with treatment and relapse
with re-exposure,” says Shoemaker. “There’s very strong evidence, especially in the Sick Building
Syndrome patients.”
Hudnell agrees. “The best evidence that biotoxins are causing the illnesses comes from cases with
repeated illness,” says the toxicologist. “When you see patients with chronic illness recover vision as
symptoms resolve while being treated with a drug that can do nothing but remove compounds from
circulation, then see vision plummet and symptoms return following re-exposure to sources of toxins,
and finally, see re-recovery with re-treatment, sometimes for three or four cycles, you become
convinced that it’s the toxins causing the illness.” - Quotes from Ritchie C. Shoemaker, MD and H.
Kenneth Hudnell, PhD. – From Neurotoxins, by Patti Schmidt.
Having considered all this and being reminded that these toxins can be positively removed from the
body by binding the toxic bile, how can we protect ourselves on a daily basis?
Fill up on fiber. Fiber helps everything move smoothly and efficiently through the digestive tract. Fiber
promotes healthy flora in the gut and binds and transports excess bile acids and potential inflammationcausing substances out of the body. Fiber-rich meals help contribute to a steady and sustained
contribution to blood sugar. All that’s widely recognized, yet in this country our average fiber intake is
10 grams daily, whereas 25 to 30 grams are required for good health. Good high fiber-foods include
steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, lentils, black beans, barley, chickpeas, bulgur, brown rice, oatmeal, and
whole-grain breads and cereals. Avoid refined and processed items such as white bread, pasta,
cornflakes, cookies, candy, and other sweets. Another benefit of fiber-rich foods? They have the
advantage of satisfying hunger more effectively, since they are broken down slowly in the digestive
system. In contrast, simple and refined sugars (from processed foods and sweets) quickly cause blood
sugar spikes... then a crash in energy that leaves you craving something sweet.
Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber that encourages better digestion overall... helps stimulate the conversion
of cholesterol to bile acids... and decreases the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and the reabsorption of toxic
bile. Take one capsule 30 minutes before lunch and dinner with a large glass of water. Supplement also
resveratrol that supports both paths of Phase II detoxification by providing both sulfates and glucuronides.
Returning to the subject of vitamin A, an inflammation fighter, in intestinal health: The significance and
urgency of building vitamin A is seen in a recent report: “These data indicate that vitamin A is necessary for
optimal function in the hippocampus, which we know to be a main seat of learning,” said Salk researcher
Sharoni Jacobs, “The study indicates that the detrimental effects of vitamin A deprivation (on learning) are
remarkably reversible, which offers hope to the millions of children worldwide with vitamin A-deficient
diets.”
6. Aloe (preferably Ambrotose AO™ that contains Manapol™ and many other saccharides and
antioxidants for even better results, or Man-Aloe® Classic (Manapol™) by Mannatech™ for they are the
only stabilized, standardized, aloe products available).
7. Balance flora by use of antifungals and supplement flora with yogurt or a probiotic supplement.
Provide fiber, preferably fructo-oligosaccharide to provide an environment for the “good guys” to overcome
yeast and other “bad guys”, or other non-gluten fiber. Mannatech’s GI-Pro™ offers a 12-billion count for
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effective colonization.
8. Restore adequate sulfate to the body as outlined in the section Phenol-sulfotransferase.
When the gut is healed and the digestion restored, bizarre eating habits will cease, and a more balanced
dietary will be possible. There are three things to know about glutamine:
1. It can cause a buzz like excess caffeine—the kid will be hyper, in that case reduce the amount
until this disappears. The amount recommended is not likely to do this.
2. High glutamine readings are seen in subclinical ammonia toxicity. This could be due to a weak
detoxification, or to excess protein intake. In the latter case, other amino acids will be high.
3. Glutamine and arginine are the precursors that, with the help of vitamin B6, produce the amino acid
GABA. Perhaps because of this relationship, both glutamine and vitamin B6 have been shown helpful to those
suffering epilepsy. A pyridoxine deficiency decreased GABA in the hippocampal area by 32% in female rats.
Additionally, according to current research done at NeuroGenesis, low levels of opioids, caused by stress, also result
in low levels of GABA. In addition, low levels of opioids are correlated with high dopamine levels and low
serotonin levels. Excessive anxiety and panic disorder can be related to GABA imbalances and sugar imbalances.
GABA is an inhibitory transmitter that exerts a calming action; however, excess GABA is related to learning
difficulties.
GABA
Recent research by Ed Cook and associates at the University of Chicago established that there are one or
more genes on chromosome 15 that manifest in autism. The chromosome 15 children studied so far showed
regression. Between 12 and 24 months of age, they lost skills. These children displayed low muscle tone.
“They walked on time,” Cook says, “and they can eat OK; it’s not severe. They may have had a little trouble
holding their heads up as infants, and show a history of low tone in other ways. Most kids with autism aren’t
like that, so the floppy ones stand out a bit. A lot of them visually look like Fragile X, with hyperextensibility of the joints, double-jointedness, and ears that may be a bit longer than normal and incorrectly
‘rotated’ backward.”
Some had speech delay, lack of social skills, and “stereotyped” or repetitive behaviors. In addition, these
children had seizures and hypotonia, or low muscle tone, characteristics that are not normally associated
with autism. These children all had a duplication of part of chromosome 15.
The prospects for knowledge of chromosome 15 leading to a biomedical treatment for autism are high. This
is so because the affected region on chromosome 15 contains three genes that code for the neurotransmitter
gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), This is the neurotransmitter involved in preventing anxiety and is
essential to integrating motor and mental functions. It is used as an aid to restoring speech following stroke.
Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and other neurological conditions result from altered metabolism of the
neurotransmitter glutamate, needed to form GABA, which leads (in ALS) to motor-neuron degeneration and
loss of motor function. Excess copper suppresses GABA and also suppresses thyroid function. Those
suffering ALS actually have twice as much serum glutamate as normal, apparently from a lack of glutamate
transporter protein that normally removes excess glutamate (this defect has only been seen in ALS), storing
it in the Astrocytes. Aspartate levels were also elevated while other amino acid levels were normal!
Glutamate and Aspartate are excitotoxins when in excess at the neuron, and cause death of the neurons. It
has been shown that exposure to high concentrations of excitotoxins in short term most often produces ALS
and Parkinson’s, while long term, chronic exposure produces dementia. There is increased risk of stroke and
seizures. These excitotoxins are a distinct problem with autistic and other children due to the large amounts
of flavor enhancers and aspartame being consumed by many.
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Excessive glutamatergic stimulation is associated with epileptiform activity, which is common in autistic
subjects. This excessive stimulation, with its potential loss of neurons, is greatly increased when brain energy
supplies are reduced as in hypoglycemia and uncontrolled seizures (which use enormous amounts of energy).
When a seizure occurs, the brain undergoes some drastic biochemical changes. It’s metabolic rate increases
enormously, and glucose and oxygen consumption increases to supply the needed energy. Unfortunately, the
oxygen delivery system is unable to keep up with the enormous demands. The brain becomes oxygen starved,
and must shift its metabolism to a much less efficient energy producing system called glycolysis. A lactic acid
buildup occurs in the brain, and if the seizure is not stopped, neurons begin to die. Glutamate levels are
elevated in absence of adequate energy. High extra-cellular levels of glutamate cause extrusion of intracellular
cysteine resulting in glutathione depletion. Low levels of magnesium also result in decreased levels of
Glutathione, as does infection or inflammation that causes elevations in TNF (a). A supplement of vitamins C,
E, K, and B6, the amino acids Theanine (precursor to GABA), taurine, glycine, and acetyl-L-carnitine, the
minerals magnesium, manganese, zinc, and lithium, oral or transdermal glutathione, melatonin, and large
amounts of L-leucine (induces Glutamate Dehydrogenase) greatly reduce the excitotoxic effects and
significantly improves neurological function.
Alcohol, anticonvulsants like Gabapentin (Neurontin™) (sic), and anti-anxiety medications like
benzodiazepine, Xanax™, and Valium™ all work by attaching to the GABA receptor. Vigabatrin™ binds to
enzymes that inactivate GABA, knocking them out of commission. This ensures that GABA stays at a level
that will keep the message delivery system working properly. GABA is an “inhibitory” neurotransmitter; it
prevents cells from firing. Some call it the brain’s “braking system”. Taking 750 mg of GABA, divided into
3 doses daily (Adult) is very effective even in acute anxiety, and may reduce nighttime urination. Taurine is
a second calming neurotransmitter that proves very effective in conjunction with GABA. It is known that
vitamin B12 may be important for many conditions including anxiety, depression, mood swings, and memory
loss, so it should be supplemented also (serum B12 is not necessarily an accurate way of measuring B12
status).
The above statement is in error as far as GABApentin (Neurontin™) is concerned. Here from the PDR (US
medical handbook) 2002 is the statement regarding GABApentin: GABApentin is structurally related to the
neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), but it does not interact with GABA receptors, it is not
converted metabolically into GABA or a GABA agonist, and it is not an inhibitor of GABA uptake or
degradation. It is not metabolized, but leaves the body unchanged. Studies with radio-labeled GABApentin
have revealed a GABApentin binding site in areas of rat brain including neocortex and hippocampus.
This brings us to another line of converging evidence: in the cerebellum, the Purkinje cells (that Margaret
Bauman has found to be diminished in the autistic brain) release GABA.
Bolte notes that tetanus infection of the intestines leads to the formation of toxic compounds called phenols. As a
corrosive substance, phenol (carbolic acid) denatures proteins and generally acts as a protoplasmic poison. Studies
of autistic individuals have detected markedly elevated levels of the phenolic metabolite of tyrosine called 3-(3hydroxyphenyl) - 3-hydroxypropionic acid (HPHPA). Several autistic children with high HPHPA levels, “…have
shown a significant reduction in stereotyped behaviors when treated with antimicrobials effective against intestinal
Clostridia”—a genus of bacteria that includes tetanus. “When certain bacteria of the CLOSTIRIDUM family
(genus) are present in high numbers, phenylpropionic acid or 3-hydroxytrosine may be formed in the intestinal tract.
Either of these compounds may then be converted to 3-hydroxphenyl-propionic acid that is, in turn, converted to
HPHPA by the enzymes in the human mitochondria that break down fatty acids”—William Shaw, Great Plains
Laboratory. This could be a major contributor to the phenol toxicity of the PST child.
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These phenolics prolong the life of and intensify cellular responses to catecholamines (epinephrine,
norepinephrine, etc.). They each act as cardiac stimulants, which accounts for the accelerated pulse that Dr.
Arthur F. Coca so wisely deduced was symptomatic of an allergenic response. Nicotine was observed to have a
pronounced effect on biological membranes, that is, it increases the permeability of these membranes to certain
pharmacologically active substances, such as norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. Peristalsis is
increased in the intestine and distribution of blood is altered by these phenolics because of the sensitizing of
smooth muscles to epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other physiological stimulants. There is evidence for
increased entry of potassium ions into the cell under the influence of epinephrine. This could account for the
electrolyte imbalances and water retention (edema) noted in allergies.
“We have noticed that the molar ratio of the urinary concentration of the dopamine metabolite
homovanillic acid (HVA) to that of the epinephrine/norepinephrine (adrenaline/noradrenaline)
metabolite vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is commonly elevated when HPHPA is elevated. This appears
to indicate that a by-product involved in the formation of HPHPA likely inhibits the conversion of
dopamine to norepinephrine leading to relative dopamine excess. Animal studies indicate that
dopamine neurons mediate behaviors such as hyperactivity and stereotypical behaviors common in
autism. Of course, the drugs such as the phenothiazines and Haloperidol (and Risperdal™), commonly
used to treat autism and schizophrenia, are well known to block the action of excessive dopamine at the
receptor level”—Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD, Wm. Shaw. It is noted that excess
dopamine contributes to sleep disorders, tics, OCD, and Exposure Anxiety that keeps the autistic
child in constant fight-or-flight mode. It would seem that a test for and treatment of Clostridia
could be very well indicated. Additionally, supplements of magnesium and potassium will tend to
balance the Autonomic Nervous System, calming the child. Choline (Lecithin) is
antidopaminergic, as is anything that will build acetylcholine. Vitamin B6 and zinc deficiency
tends to excess dopamine and a relative lowering of acetylcholine needed for cognition.
Now, the $64.00 question is, what raises HPHPA and interferes with the neurotransmitters? That is a wellknown answer. It is from Clostridia acting on the amino acid phenylalanine! Now, why would this essential
amino acid be a problem? Two reasons: 1) you inherited a problem with metabolizing it called
Phenylketonuria (PKU). This is a condition tested for at birth, and if found, a diet free of phenylalanine is
prescribed, but it is notorious that the guideline in USA for treating what I will call subclinical
phenylketonuria is allowing many to have the problem without being treated. Disruption in tyrosine
production in hepatic cells, arising from this genetic condition, also results in autism (Gillberg & Coleman,
1992, p.203). PKU babies are born with pale-colored eyes, pale skin (lack of melanin), and are born with or
quickly developed blond hair (90% have blond hair, others are significantly lighter than their family). As
retardation develops, there are behavior problems: irritability, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and destructive
outbursts. They have a predisposition for eczema, and are recognized by their peculiar body odor. The high
phenylalanine level is due to a genetic lack of phenylalanine hydroxylase, which converts phenylalanine to
tyrosine. It is possible that mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic could depress this enzyme producing
hyperphenylalanine. Subclinical PKU creates many symptoms associated with autism. Nevertheless, Great
Plains Laboratory found only one case of PKU in 10,000 tests. 2) Clostridia overgrowth: When these are
present in high numbers, the phenylpropionic acid or 3-hydroxytyrosine may be formed by these bacteria
from phenylalanine in the intestinal tract. These are then converted to HPHPA in the mitochondria. What is
the chance you have Clostridia? You might want to have an OAT and a stool test by Great Plains Laboratory
to determine if you have the Clostridia problem creating an excess of dopamine, or if you have PKU
creating many autistic symptoms. If formation of these phenols proves to be the cause of high dopamine,
then you are drug free! If your PKU test shows a value five or higher, then treat for PKU (restrict
phenylalanine). Kill off any Clostridia found.
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The children treated for clostridia (usually with Flagyl™) become more sociable, speak more, improve their eye
contact, and are less hyperactive and hypersensitive. It should be noted that very high doses of L. Acidophilus GG is
usually equally effective as metronidazole (Flagyl™) except for systemic overgrowth. Additionally, Flagyl™ has a lot
of side effects (including disabling the biochemical paths of energy generation, producing symmetrical brainstem
damage), and can upset the ecological balance in the gastrointestinal tract leading to a yeast overgrowth. Dr. Shaw
warns that the die-off effect can be even more severe than that of Candida. Some combination of Alka-Seltzer Gold™,
bentonite clay, and charcoal should be used to minimize the die-off effect and protect from damage. Supplemental
Alpha Lipoic Acid and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) detoxify this poison also.
Bolte adds, “Parents also noted that regression occurred very quickly” after treatment was discontinued. Given
these findings, Bolte says, “Parents, doctors, and researchers must combine efforts to determine if some people
diagnosed as autistic are actually suffering from unrecognized forms of sub-acute tetanus.” This is very significant
to that large block of children who do not handle phenol well (PST). The use of Organic Acid Testing (OAT) can
provide a valuable tool guiding therapy so that harmful microorganisms may be eliminated before treatments with
amino acids like phenylalanine that might actually cause neuropsyciatric symptoms to worsen. It is most
interesting to note that phenol poisoning, as suffered by the PST child, deadens the nerves endings much as does
aspirin (a phenol), thereby masking pain.
In addition, she notes, inhibitory neurons that release the neurotransmitter GABA are a preferred target for tetanus
neurotoxins—and the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, that often appear highly abnormal in autistic individuals, are
inhibitory neurons that release GABA. Additionally, GABA is reported to stimulate the brain to release human
growth hormone (HGH), and to stimulate the anterior pituitary function.
Glutamine, a precursor of GABA, readily passes through the blood-brain barrier and is a good supplement to take if
one wants to increase brain levels of GABA, since glutamine, once it is in the brain, converts into GABA, however,
excess glutamine can become excitotoxic. Due to that possibility, GABA may be the preferred supplement. GABA
activity is found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, namely: the pancreas and thymus. If the
pancreas is not healthy, the result can be high glutamate, low GABA levels, decreased Secretin and CCK levels, and
decreased vitamin K, among other imbalances. It is estimated that 30–40% of all CNS neurons utilize GABA as
their primary neurotransmitter! Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the active enzyme capable of decarboxylating
glutamate to GABA, requires pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) as cofactor.
Nevertheless, magnesium will not suppress the immune function, as does Dilantin: Evidence is accumulating that
this anti-seizure medication may have significant immunosuppressive effects (Hadden 1986). National
Toxicology Program studies in mice exposed to diphenylhydantoin demonstrated a selective effect on immune
function resulting in depressed serum IgA levels and altered bone marrow function. Researchers are trying to
correlate these findings with the IgA deficiency and increased sinuopulmonary infection that occurs in humans on
long-term diphenylhydantoin treatment (NTP 1984).
GABA”B” receptors are metabotropic receptors that are coupled to G-proteins and thereby indirectly alter
membrane ion permeability and neuronal excitability. Activation of GABA-B receptors in many brain regions
results in an increase in K+ (potassium) channel conductance with a resultant hyperpolarization of the neuronal
membrane. This increase in K+ conductance is often blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (pertussis toxin
uncouples Gi-protein from receptors), indicating that many postsynaptic GABA-B receptors are indirectly
coupled to K+ channels through an intervening G-protein. There is considerable evidence that a large proportion
of GABA-B receptors are coupled to G-proteins, but there is also evidence that some presynaptic GABA-B
receptors may be directly linked to K+ channels. The fact that GABA-B receptors are coupled to G-proteins may
also explain, in part, the reported effects of GABA-B receptor agonists on calcium (Ca2+) conductance and
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secondarily neurotransmitter release.
One mother has noted increased verbal capacity after supplementing the amino acid GABA! An adult, Polly
Hattemer, says, “I tried GABA. It made me regress intellectually. I could hardly recall any nouns. GABApentin
was helpful.” The usual effect of too much GABA is lethargy (fatigue). It should be noted; GABApentin has been
associated with a worsening of hyperactivity in some cases. The types apt to respond to GABA are the clearly
identified “chromosome 15” kids, and those with high phenol levels (See PST below). That encompasses about
everybody! Methinks, maybe we should try glutamine with vitamin B6 (P5P), or GABA, or even Bethanechol,
before Pepcid™? Once again, strengthen the immune function by following the suggestions herein.
There is a growing interest in an amino acid Theanine (not Threonine) that induces a very relaxed frame. L-theanine
is a natural antagonist to the structurally similar amino acid, glutamate. The similarity enables L-theanine to
physically block glutamate. Although researchers aren’t positive how theanine works yet, they theorize that it
blocks the NMDA receptor which is the doorway that glutamate uses to affect cells. Because of the similar
structure, theanine can also fit in this doorway keyhole, blocking access to glutamate. Although it can fit in the
keyhole, theanine does not have the same effect on the cell as glutamate does (i.e., opens the calcium channel).
Rather than causing damage, theanine acts like a shield against damage by acting as a Calcium Channel Blocker
along with magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Together, they should reduce excitotoxic excitation of neurons and
cells, preventing hyperexcitability and lowering blood pressure. Theanine is a precursor known to increase GABA,
an important inhibitory neurotransmitter. You might like to use this instead of GABA. Theanine has also been found
to have beneficial effects by raising the levels of serotonin and/or dopamine in various important brain regions,
particularly the hypothalamus, hippocampus (memory center), and striatum. Theanine reduces norepinephrine and
epinephrine activity, turnover, and urinary excretion. Adult dosage is reported to be 100 mg 1 to 4 times per day.
Additionally, Bukowski explained that L-theanine (found in tea) is broken down in the liver to ethylamine, a
molecule that primes the response of an immune-system element called the gamma-delta T-cell. That’s the Tcell that prompts the secretion of interferon, which is an important way our bodies fight infection. “We know
from other studies that these gamma-delta T-cells in the blood are the first line of defense against many types of
bacteria, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. They even have some anti-tumor activity.”
Some additional thoughts on the importance of supporting the thymus: Thymus glandulars taken orally with a
multiple-vitamin/mineral supplement have been proven to be modulators of the immune system, normalizing the
ratio of T-helper cells to suppresser cells whether the ratio is low as in AIDS, chronic infections, and cancer; or high as
in allergies, migraine headaches, and autoimmune diseases. Thymus glandulars can be dramatically effective in
children suffering chronic infections. In autoimmune diseases, a high ratio of T-helper cells to suppresser cells
causes a higher than normal number of antibodies to be produced which can damage body structures. A robust
thymus will normalize this ratio and suppress “immune complexes”. Who needs to rebuild the thymus? Typically
thymic hormone levels are very low in the elderly, in those prone to infection, in cancer and AIDS sufferers, and in
those undergoing chronic stress. Specifically, those with multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, hepatitis, allergies and other
autoimmune diseases, the nutrient deficient (that is, those eating quantities of white sugar and refined foods), those with
high cholesterol levels, and all children who never had a mother’s milk for at least four months. Did I miss anyone?
Support the thymus by using a Thymus Glandular and a multivitamin/mineral supplement!
When the thymus gland dries up, no one treats that as a medical condition even though every doctor and nurse is
taught that the thymus gland controls the immune system. It controls the immune system in two ways. First, it is a
source of T (thymus)-cells or T-lymphocytes. It is these T-cells that fight the battle against viruses, bacteria, yeast,
and other foreign invaders that attack the body’s immune system. The thymus gland seeds the bone marrow with
immature T-cells that multiply and mature. Second, the thymus gland produces a variety of hormones that
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stimulate the maturation of T-cells and increase production of other hormones, such as interferon and the immune
globulins. Several hormones have been isolated from the thymus, but the one receiving the most attention in
medical studies right now is Alpha 1. Supplementation as recommended has been shown to increase Alpha 1 from
300% to 700% depending on the dosage—My Experience Treating Immune System Disorders with Glandular
and Vitamin Supplements, by Dr. Carson G. Burgstiner, MD, PC. Zinc is specific to the improved function of the
thymus. Except for nursing infants, 15 mg zinc daily is safe, however, when taking zinc and high amounts of
vitamin C one must check copper status or run the risk of depleting copper and creating a copper anemia. So, to
support the thymus, supplement zinc, arginine, vitamin A and pantothenic acid with a good multivitamin/mineral.
Dr. Burgsteiner speaks of Thymus extract and a good multivitamin/mineral healing his Hepatitis C. Dr. Jonathan
Wright, MD, recommends a protocol developed by Dr. Burton Berkson, MD, that emphasizes Lipoic acid (600
mg), Silymarin (Milk Thistle, 900 mg), and selenium (400 mcg), adult amounts. Selenium, according to Dr. Wright,
slows the replication of the virus. Lipoic Acid significantly alters thiol [a compound that contains the functional
group composed of a sulfur-hydrogen bond (-SH)]. Being the sulfur analogue of an alcohol group –OH, this
functional group is referred to either as a thiol group or a sulfhydryl group. More traditionally, thiols are
often referred to as mercaptans. Lipoic Acid significantly alters thiol metabolism, excretion, and distribution significantly increasing plasma cysteine levels and bile excretion of glutathione resulting in depletion of the liver
stores of glutathione – actually decreasing bile output according to one source. These side effects contradict the
proposal for a sustained megadosing of LA. Ambrotose®, by Mannatech, Inc. has been successful in restoring liver
function and energy output. Be mindful of my concerns, mentioned elsewhere in this paper, about Milk Thistle and
high amounts of Lipoic Acid.
Candida
Yeasts are single-celled forms that reproduce by budding, whereas molds form multicellular hyphae
(filament tails). Dimorphic fungi grow as yeasts or spherules in vivo, as well as in vitro at 37C, but as molds
at 25C. Dimorphism is regulated by factors such as temperature, CO2 concentration, pH, and the levels of
cysteine or other sulfhydryl-containing compounds. Regardless of their shape or size, fungi are all
heterotrophic and digest their food externally by releasing hydrolytic enzymes into their immediate
surroundings (absorptive nutrition). Fungi can use a number of different carbon sources to meet their carbon
needs for the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Oxidation of sugars, alcohols,
proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides provides them with a source of energy. Differences in their ability to
utilize different carbon sources, such as simple sugars, sugar acids, and sugar alcohols, are used, along with
morphology, to differentiate the various yeasts. Fungi require a source of nitrogen for synthesis of amino
acids for proteins, purines and pyrimidines for nucleic acids, glucosamine for chitin, and various vitamins.
Depending on the fungus, nitrogen may be obtained in the form of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, or organic
nitrogen; no fungus can fix nitrogen. Most fungi use nitrate, which is reduced first to nitrite (with the aid of
nitrate reductase) and then to ammonia.
Generally, either low temperature or pH favors the development of budding yeast. Our human ideal basal
temperature of 98.6 degrees F. has a purpose. It is just a tad higher than favored by strep and the yeast families,
namely, Candida species. This is why it is so vital to support the thyroid. High copper is also one indicator of
Candida for it suppresses thyroid function. Other substances such as biotin, cysteine, serum transferrin, and zinc are
said to stimulate dimorphism (changing forms from yeast to fungus) in this yeast. Experiments designed to test
the biotin-yeast hypothesis have demonstrated that the concentration of simple sugars in the culture
medium is the only reliable variable to directly determine the form Candida cells will take. Below a certain
sugar concentration, the yeast remain single-celled, and stay in the gut. When sugar concentration rises above a
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certain threshold, the organism becomes fungal, and tends to enter the blood and thrive in moist warm areas
including the brain. (Importance of some factors on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. Vidotto V; Picerno G;
Caramello S; Paniate G; Mycopathologia, 1988 Dec, 104:3, 129-35).
Sugar also kills the bacteria that control Candida. Further, a serving of cake and ice cream or a large bottle of sugary,
soft drink will reduce the immune function by 50% for up to five hours—make that all day for those who indulge their
sweet tooth several times a day. Remember, sugar promotes Candida, with its multiple problems (yeast grows 200
times faster), and sugar can actually make the child drunk and giggly! In fact, 50 years ago, Dr. Sandler proved that
sugar causes polio and other viral infections due to this loss of immune function. (Diet Prevents Polio, by Benjamin P.
Sandler, M.D., and published in 1951 by The Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research, Milwaukee, WI). Is it any
wonder that our kids harbor several chronic viral infections? Our goal is to strengthen the body and weaken the
infectious agent. Eliminating simple sugars and starches with a high glycemic rating does this most effectively. Sugar
and starch in excess are deadly poison to these beautiful children. You wouldn’t give them arsenic would you?
Yeast species like Candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce neurotoxins, and most
autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates
subclinical pellagra and beriberi. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, will interfere with the
production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that control behavior—so normal
brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth is unlikely.
Just the elimination of Candida has been found to cure or alleviate a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, asthma, joint
pains, and migraine. A multitude of symptoms such as “heartburn” and reflux; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and
constipation; year-round nasal congestion; pounding heart; palpitations; paroxysmal atrial tachycardia; mitral valve
prolapse; edema; cold, sweaty hands and feet; dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation); PMS; endometriosis; vaginitis;
muscle soreness, tenderness, aching, stiffness, weakness, and cramping (probably due to decreased blood flow); easy
fatigability; dry skin; acne; anorexia; a red circle of rash around the anus; and virtually all psoriasis often disappear
when an anti-yeast regimen is instituted. Mentally, there may be irritability, a tendency to anger, fears, panic attacks, an
impending sense of doom, worry, depression, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. There may be trouble
concentrating and remembering, indecisiveness, and being fuzzy or dull-headed. There may be extreme hunger or
sugar cravings that may be chronic or periodic. Hypoglycemia is common, with its weakness, fatigue, shaking, anxiety,
headache, and sleepiness. Another symptom of Candida: internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by
beer, bread, pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when one reacts adversely to taking
vitamins orally. To this, add a high sensitivity to yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads,
beer, mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort when in bathrooms, basements,
areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc.
Of great seriousness is the subgroup with severe intolerance to virtually all chemicals including food, drugs, and
inhaled chemicals. One third of these suffering Multiple Chemical Sensitivities have been found to have low T-cells
(a class of white cells in which are the helper and suppressor cells). Any and all the above symptoms, if present,
may vary in degree and intensity. In addition to diagnosis by the above symptoms, on arising, obtain a glass of water
and spit a mouthful of spit (quite a lot) in the water. Observe it for a while. If the sputum begins to grow “legs” or if
it settles to the bottom, you likely have Candida. Do not take lightly indications of Candid overgrowth, but set up an
effective anti-Candida program as suggested elsewhere in this paper. (Note: Good Housekeeping and Heloise have
determined that regular vinegar kills molds at 90% and bacteria at 99.9% efficiency.)
Persistent candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids
such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin,
respectively (Quig, unpublished observations). Additionally, tyrosine manufacture in the body can be interfered with
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and nearly shut down by exposure to certain herbicides, which are commonly used in agriculture, and often abused in
lawn care. Exposure to any of these, or any other halogenated compounds, can really muck up our thyroid highways,
and even give false-normal lab tests. Dioxin and thyroxine are chemical cousins, and dioxin can plug itself into
receptor sites meant for the thyroid hormone and block the real thing, or worse yet, turn things off or to yet another
function. Low tyrosine levels will mean low epinephrine neurotransmitters and low T4 hormone levels
(hypothyroidism).
There are 3-types of Candida infection: Superficial (most common) - characterized by inflammation of
tissue linings, i.e., skin, GI tract, pharynx, upper and lower respiratory tract; Locally invasive—i.e.,
pneumonia, cystitis, and esophagitis, the most common being ulcerations of the intestinal, respiratory or
genito-urinary tract; and Systemic—an invasive infection, characterized by lesions of the heart, kidneys,
liver, spleen, lung, brain, and other organs.
We have to hypothesize that Candida, in the moment it is attacked by the immunological system of the host
or by a conventional antimycotic treatment, does not react in the usual, predicted way, but defends itself by
transforming itself into ever-smaller and non-differentiated elements that maintain their fecundity intact to
the point of hiding their presence both to the host organism and to possible diagnostic investigations. The
Candida’s behavior may be considered to be almost elastic: when favorable conditions exist, it thrives on an
epithelium; as soon as the tissue reaction is engaged, it massively transforms itself into a form that is less
productive but impervious to attack—the spore.
“Treatment of the latter (Candida) with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of
liver detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme
necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g., casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh
Fudenberg, MD. Thus, fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for toxicity in
PST kids. Further, the first order of implementation is restoration of digestive function with betaine HCl,
pancreatin, and bile acids, as needed, to replace the normal output of stomach acid, pancreatic fluid, and
bile. There is growing evidence of the efficacy of re-inoculation with favorable species of Lactobacilli.
Feeding of non-absorbed fermentable carbohydrate like fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin stimulates
growth of the genera Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These forms of carbohydrate are found in onion,
garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, and wheat. Long-chain Inulin can be selected to feed only the good
bacteria while starving out the bad ones. Inulin, being non-digestible, reaches the colon where healthy
Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli use it as food. This lowers the pH level in the colon, creating an unfavorable
environment for unhealthy bacteria such as E.Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium. Insoluble
fiber lowers yeast, Clostridia, Staphylococcus, and Proteus in stool cultures and lowers output of ammonia
and phenols. Additionally, FOS prevents germs and parasites from attaching to the digestive tract.
Zinc deficiencies have been frequently noted in women suffering from Candidiasis (Michaud E & Feinstein A.,
Prevention Magazine’s 30-day immune power program. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa. 1989. p144).
Another important consideration is Metabolic Typing based on the understanding that genetic inheritance
defines metabolic individuality, and metabolic individuality defines nutritional requirements. This is why what
works for one person, doesn’t work for another with the same problem. There will never be one diet or
nutritional approach for a given problem that works for all people. The essence of this article on Candida
overgrowth is the understanding that Candida is not the problem. The problem is a compromised immune
system that fails to control the Candida. This is the reason that so many people fail to rid themselves of Candida
overgrowth. They limit their approach to trying to kill off the Candida, but when the protocol is stopped, the
Candida overgrowth problem comes right back again, or it is replaced by equally damaging overgrowth of
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Clostridia or Klebsiella. The only real, final solution is to restore efficiency to the immune system, a task that
can speeded by addressing individual nutritional requirements through defining one’s Metabolic Type.
Metabolic Typing provides a scientific means of identifying individual nutritional requirements based on the
determination of the individual’s “metabolic type”. Once the metabolic type is determined, a diet and
supplementation program can be recommended to meet individual nutritional requirements, thus providing
an ideal means of restoring proper biochemical balance.
There are several things to consider in a state of candidiasis: a) The inflammatory response must be treated; b)
Lactobacillus count needs to be increased in order to keep Candida in check; c) The immune system needs
strengthening, which decreases adherence ability; d) Antibiotics, steroids, and other immune-suppressing
drugs, along with simple carbohydrate foods (eat foods with a low Glycemic Index Rating) should be avoided;
e) Digestive secretions should be increased; f) Nutrient deficiencies should be reversed; g) Liver function
should be optimized to increase ability to filter toxins; h) Mercury and other heavy metals must be removed.
Caprylic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is readily absorbed in the intestines. Standard dosage is 1,000 to
2,000 mgs with meals, and it is totally lethal to Candida. It is available over the counter and appears to be equal to
Nystatin™ in effectiveness. However, it is not known to produce the sensitivity side-effects of the Nystatin™
drugs. Of the caprylic acid products on the market, CAPRYSTATIN, KAPRICIDIN-A and ORITHRUSH, when
used together, appear to be the most effective by virtue of their capacity to address the entire digestive tract. These
three products are available from Ultra Life / Synergistics, P.O. Box 440, Carlyle, IL 62231, (800) 654-8191 or
(618) 594-7711, or Email: info@ullife.com.
A most interesting version of Caprylic Acid is Caprol™ (www.wholeapproach.com), containing liquid caprylic
acid (3600 mg per oz) and oleic acids. It is a broad-spectrum, anti-fungal agent against Candida albicans and other
fungi. The Japanese Niigata University School of Medicine stated, “The fungicidal effect of caprylic acid on
Candida albicans was exceedingly powerful...Caprylic acid exhibits the most remarkable fungistatic and
fungicidal properties of all normal saturated fatty acids with even numbered carbon atoms studied.” Two decades
later, a Canadian, Andrew Gutauskas, B.S. Pharmacy, discovered that the benefits of caprylic acid are further
enhanced when its transit through the intestinal tract is slowed. Caprylic acid must exert its fungicidal effect in the
intestinal tract or not at all. The longer it can react the better.
Unfortunately, caprylic acid is a substance that is normally quite rapidly absorbed by the intestinal tract and routed
directly to the liver where it is quickly metabolized. For this reason, the quite powerful caprylic acid has little antiCandida effect, both intestinally and systemically. This fact, however, is significantly altered if its absorption can
be slowed, allowing it to remain in the intestine for a longer period of time in order to complete its fungicidal
mission. In this program, caprylic acid acquires its needed sustained-release properties from gel, formed by the
mixture of Caprol™, colon cleansers, and water. This thick gel traps the caprylic acid and slows its transit through
the colon. In this gelled state, caprylic acid does not escape into the liver and no adverse reactions to this gelled
form of caprylic acid have been reported, even among individuals who previously reacted to other caprylic acid
products.
Oleic acid, the second acid ingredient in Caprol™, is found naturally in olive oil. It, too, has significant CRC battling
effects. Candida albicans can convert, or mutate, into a disruptive mycelial form with root-like tentacles that allow the
new harmful fungi to penetrate the mucosa (or lining) of the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream. From there, the
fungi easily gain access to other parts of the body. Oleic acid follows the mycelial, root-like tentacles of Candida
albicans to the base of the root and kills it there. Oleic acid also hinders any additional conversion of Candida albicans
yeast into its mycelial fungal form. This program is a bit expensive, but after a month or two, one could change to a
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less costly method of containing the Candida, like Yeast Avenger™ and probiotics.
The reason for sure failure of treatment is the misunderstanding of how important it is to remove these sugars
and starches from the diet. It is important to remember that sugars are sugars, whether from natural sources or
from processed cane sugar (sucrose). Antifungal drugs will not be successful without removing sugars from the
diet. This includes all sweetened drinks and sodas, fruits and fruit drinks, corn syrups, and other high sugar
(high glycemic) containing products. Studies have emphasized the fact that Candida ferments and rapidly
proliferates in the presence of simple sugars. Not only is this the case, but research has shown that sugars
dramatically increase the ability of Candida to adhere to epithelial mucosa cells and may be one of the most
important factor in the chronic states of gastrointestinal Candidiasis (Saltarelli). Further, sugar kills the
controlling bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus and suppresses the immune function.
Complex carbohydrates/polysaccharides (starches) and even disaccharides (sucrose - table sugar, (milk sugar),
sometimes fructose (fruit sugar), et al, can pass far down the gastrointestinal tract before they are broken down
into glucose molecules and absorbed. Ninety-five percent of African-Americans cannot tolerate lactose, and
many others also lack the enzyme (lactase) needed to break down lactose into glucose and galactose. This sugar
is then broken down in the intestines by bacteria, and the results can be gas, bloating, and intestinal distress, or
by taking the enzyme lactase, it can be a source of B-vitamins and other nutrients, if proper bacteria are
available. Lactose doubles the amount of calcium available from a bonemeal supplement.
Candida supposedly resides and proliferates far down the gastrointestinal tract, but when lacking HCl
production in the stomach, they will move up into the small intestine. Complex sugars and polysaccharides can
therefore be made available to Candida throughout the gastrointestinal tract (Chan). High protein diets and
elimination of sugars and concentrated starch will help avoid this. Small amounts of lactose from fermented
sources may actually be helpful for it establishes the slightly acid state preferred by the Acidophilus but
not by the “ Bad Guys”. In dysbiosis, it is vital that there be a source of lactic acid required by the “Good
Guys” of the gut, so when casein free, if you cannot tolerate goat yogurt, you must supplement Sacromydes
boulardii that can make lactic acid from any carbohydrate.
Thus, in regard to questions about Ambrotose®, Candida cannot use long-chain carbohydrates directly, and
the sugars of Ambrotose® are not broken down into glucose. Studies with Ambrotose® showed phagocytosis
(ingestion) of Candida by macrophages was enhanced and the kill rate was increased from approximately
6% to 95%—Stanley S. and Doris L. Lefkowitz, Ph.D.s., Proceedings of Fisher Institute for Medical
Research, Vol. 1, No. 2, February 1999. Additionally, concerning glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine
(NAG—one of the conditionally essential sugars found in Ambrotose®): numerous studies have shown that
glucosamine, a derivative of chitin from fungal cells, has the ability to prevent the binding of Candida to
epithelial mucosa cells (Saltarelli). It has also been suggested to directly aid in restoration of the mucosa.
Ambrotose AO™ in vegetable capsules contain twice as much Ambrotose Complex™ (no fillers, thus
no rice content) Phyt•Aloe® (Phytonutrients from mature, vine-ripened vegetables, also sold separately),
and a synergistic blend of antioxidants [Mtech AO Blend™ of Mixed tocopherols, Quercetin,
Resveratrol (from grape skins), green tea polyphenols, and whole-food vitamin C and flavons (from
Australian Bush Plum grown by Aborigines). The plum has 50 times the vitamin C of citrus fruits. The
whole plum is used, thus it has all its valued nutrients including the entire vitamin C molecule with
accompanying flavons, not just ascorbic acid]. Ambrotose AO™ is 100% whole food! The best
antioxidant supplement of 91 tested provided approximately 5375 ORACo activity units from labeled
dose (most supplied far less, partly due to oxidation in storage), but the Mtech AO Blend™ found in 2
capsules of Ambrotose AO™ guarantees 17,250 units! Normally, one will not need additional vitamins
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E and C, nor will Pycnogenol™, grapeseed extract, or any other antioxidant be needed other than
minerals, such as selenium. This should cut costs significantly. Additionally, all this added value (the
Antioxidant blend with twice the Ambrotose Complex™ plus 1/6th capsule of Phyt•Aloe®) for only
$7.80 more than for a bottle of Ambrotose®! The 240-capsule bottles are priced so there is no increase in
monthly cost!
For comparison, tests show that adding five additional servings of fruits and vegetables, for a total of 10 servings
providing double the potential antioxidant power, increased serum antioxidant capacity an average of only 13%,
but the Mtech AO Blend™ found in two capsules of Ambrotose AO™ increased serum antioxidant levels 37%!
In the referenced test (McBride 1999b), James Joseph also found that rats fed a specific combination of high
ORAC substances exhibited brain cells that were twice as responsive as those of unsupplemented rats (based on a
series of neurological tests), and that in aging rodents, the compound enhanced memory-associated neuronal
signaling and general brain activity. For the seriously ill, I recommend that an additional amount of Advanced
Ambrotose™ Bulk Powder be taken with two or more capsules of Ambrotose AO™.
Another powerful anti-fungal is iodine (in higher doses, it seems to be anti-viral also), but it is much weaker and
milder than chloride as an anti-fungal. Its reduction below the RDAs may well be a cause of a higher rate of fungal
infections like schizophrenia, asthma, IBD, arthritis, lupus, etc. Modern day dietary reduction of table salt with
iodine is a negative factor. Do the iodine test, and restore iodine to normal level. To restore needed chloride without
the sodium of table salt, consider magnesium chloride or potassium chloride. Supplement HCl with each meal to
improve digestion and immune function, and to drive Candida back into the area normal to them.
Pasteur and others found that lethal strains of bacteria could be rendered harmless if other benign bacteria were given
simultaneously. High intake of Lactobacillus Acidophilus GG [20 billion count, as supplied by Culturelle™ (Klaire
Laboratories), available from VRP at 775-884-1300 (and from Kirkman) but said to contain 15 PPM casein, or ProCulture Gold™ (Kirkman Labs), guaranteed casein free], or Theralac™ [www.theralac.com, (800) 926-2961] is
sometimes an effective way to replace these, and can be one means of controlling the Clostridia family of bacteria (as
well as the Candida), some of which are unaffected by broad spectrum antibiotics! These good bacteria work primarily
by exclusion and by environmental changes in the gut creating a favorable lactic-acid, living space for themselves.
Other bacteria and Candida prefer alkaline. Unfortunately, the acidophilus usually convert lactose from milk, and
without milk they cannot do their thing. To reestablish these, one must provide some source of lactic acid. Many
lactobacillus species do not ferment lactose—Lactobacillus GG primarily ferments fructose; so, provide Fructose
Oligosaccharides (FOS), and the Lactobacillus GG will use it to make lactic acid. DAN! doctors also recommend S.
boulardii, a yeast that excludes Candida and ferments any carbohydrate to produce lactic acid, and reduces some of
the other gut organisms that produce glucuronidase, an enzyme that blocks Phase II detoxification.
Another way to encourage recolonization found very effective by Dr. David Williams (Alternatives Newsletter)
is the use of Lactic Acid Yeast wafers (Standard Process Laboratories, available from your health practitioner)
containing a blend of ingredients including a mycelium type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that converts
all forms of carbohydrate into lactic acid. According to Dr. Williams, these wafers are effective in controlling
diarrhea. I am informed that it includes corn. We have seen elsewhere that some have an excess of lactic acid in
the blood, so this should be used in that case with consent of your health practitioner. Further, it includes active
Baker’s Yeast, and some believe that is a negative when fighting Candida. According to Dr. Kurt W. Donsbach,
who has successfully treated Candida at his clinic for many years, eating yeast is not a problem. It may well be
a positive way to restore balance when taken with a good probiotic, but again, consult with your practitioner.
The majority of celiac, IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s sufferers have unusually high anti-Saccharomyces
Cervisiae antibodies. In essence, that means they are very allergic to baker’s/brewer’s yeast. (The same yeast that
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is used to produce HepB antibodies for the vaccine.) They also have high antibodies to transglutaminases. These
are common fungal enzymes produced by many species, including Candida, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus.
Soil-based organisms (SBO) found in Nature’s Biotics (800-713-3888) have given tremendous benefits
including a supply of GLA, and activation of nearly all the immune defense systems, specifically the
activation of three antibodies: IgM, IgG, and IgA that are highly effective against fungi, harmful viruses,
and bacterial pathogens. It is said to stimulate not less than 16 of the 20 types of alpha-interferon, and
the production of the powerful systemic antioxidant enzyme SOD. The enzymatic activity of SOD
increases the efficiency of energy production within the cells, allowing them to nourish and repair
themselves at a more efficient and effective rate. There are very few food sources for SOD, so this is a
valuable attribute of SBO, Spirulina, Ambrotose AO, and phytosterols (beta-sitosterols) as found in
Mannatech’s PLUS and SPORT (Yefim Sosonkin MD, and Professor Isaac Sosonkin, Ph.D. have this to
say, “Sitosterols raise superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which are basic to lifespan... The SOD is
involved in the first step of the process against free-radical activity….” Beta-sitosterol is a highly
effective anti-inflammatory.
Taking probiotics on an empty stomach, with a little bicarbonate of soda water (1/4 teaspoon in 4 oz of
water), will help them make the journey safely. The Bifido Bifidus should also be supplemented when
concerned with Candida. The Theralac™ mentioned above and Mannatech’s GI-Pro (12 billion count)
provides both Acidophilus and Bifidus. Use of a digestive enzyme can greatly improve overall results.
Next time Flagyl™ is suggested, use L. Acidophilus, SBO, and enzymes, and skip the fluoride and the
side effects (nausea, headaches, disorientation, and a metallic taste in the mouth). Fluorides are
cumulative toxins. Approximately one-half remains in the body! One study of fluoride in drugs found
that fluorinated steroid was more detrimental to IQ than the nonfluorinated steroid; in particular, reading
comprehension; arithmetic calculation, and short-term working memory deficits were greater. New
research from the Harvard Medical School has discovered that fluoride accumulates in brain tissue where
it can damage the central nervous system. Flagyl™ will likely exchange a Clostridium overgrowth for a
Candida overgrowth unless you take preventive measures.
I realize that such drugs are occasionally necessary, but I am concerned by a reported 85% increase in
drugs for children in the last five years. There has been a six-fold increase in drugs like Prevacid™,
Nexium™, and Prilosec™ for upset stomach. These largely stop digestion! Only 30% of drugs being
prescribed for children have been tested and approved for children! Don’t turn to drugs first. They
should be the last resort.
It is interesting to note recent research that shows that babies normally get their first gulp of Mother’s bacteria as they
travel down the birth canal. Normally, this has meant a dose of Lactobacillus and Bifido bacteria that stake out the first
claim to the gut environment, and the baby’s developing the immune system accepts these early invaders. Modern
medicine is altering this. For babies born by cesarean section, the first gut inhabitants are common hospital bacteria
such as Streptococci and Clostridia, and this may make it very hard to get them displaced later. Additionally, Mothers
with autoimmune diseases may themselves not have the “right” balance of bacteria in their gut, birth canals, and milk,
and this may affect their children adversely. According to Dr. Hulda Clark, Clostridium is the tumor-making bacteria
that supply the DNA, the toxic amines, and also isopropyl alcohol, which will eventually contribute to malignancy. The
net results of Strep infection are depletion of vitamin K, decreased glutathione, decreased sulfhydryl protein levels,
overstimulation of the immune system, increased TNF alpha (that triggers Tourette’s syndrome, facial tics, OCD, and
Schizophrenia), potential autoimmune responses, and inflammatory reactions against the GAGs in the GI tract.
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A Second Scenario
The stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin to breakdown the proteins in the
stomach. Additionally, reduced HCl cannot activate the enzyme protease that is necessary to complete protein
digestion. Other stomach hormones are reduced or lacking, and harmful bacteria are allowed to enter the gut
with the food. The chyme leaving the stomach is not acid enough to trigger the Secretin release. Digestion is
greatly hindered for want of pancreatic enzymes (including peptidase), and the person so afflicted lacks the
nutrients of protein, vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, and most of the minerals, all of which depend on HCl to be
digested and assimilated effectively. One symptom may be Vitiligo. The lack of pancreatic enzymes, including
peptidase, leads to peptides of casein and gluten passing into the blood stream and to the brain, creating many
of the autistic symptoms including a 30% incidence of epilepsy. A small help is to choose supplements in the
citrate, gluconate, orotate, or aspartate forms that will be utilized even in absence of HCl. Magnesium citrate, the
magnesium salt of citric acid, is somewhat laxative. Additionally, in most cases, citric acid in our country is made from
corn, and such citric acid contains processed, free glutamic acid (MSG).
Additionally, a certain amount of aspartate is essential. It breaks down the ammonia that is sometimes a problem
with autistic children. It is also vital to the synthesis of glycoprotein that is essential to cell-to-cell communication
and proper immune function. It enhances immunoglobulin production and antibody formation. Being one of two
main excitatory amino acids, an excess is found in Epilepsy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). A deficiency is seen
in calcium and magnesium shortages. A low level of aspartate should lead to a test of calcium and magnesium
status. In protein, aspartic acid exists mainly in the form of its amide, Asparagine. Among the biochemicals that are
synthesized from aspartic acid are asparagine, arginine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and several nucleotides.
Aspartic acid performs an important role in the urea cycle. Glutamate and aspartate are also very important in the
tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle), from which most of the energy is produced by metabolism. Their reaction in
this pathway is by what is called the malate-aspartate shuttle for the transportation of energy into the mitochondria.
One of its metabolites is a precursor of the pyrimidines. Clinically, aspartic acid may be used to treat fatigue or
depression. Its effect on the thymus gland lets it be used as a mild immunostimulant. It should be noted that both
glutamate and aspartate are potential excitotoxins.
Autistic children are typically lacking in lysine. This would tend to cause them to be deficient in glutathione and
carnitine, an essential amino acid. That is, the body cannot manufacture lysine. It must be supplied in adequate
amounts in the foods. Some is likely used as lysine, but most is rapidly converted to carnitine. Now, here is a real
clue, Carnitine is the “fireman” that pumps fats into the mitochondrial boiler to form energy. If one is short of
carnitine, and this can be tested for, there will likely be excess cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood for they
are not being used for energy. A lack of lysine will reduce the ability to concentrate, and it will produce chronic
tiredness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and anemia. Antibody formation will usually be reduced. Insufficient intake
leads to poor appetite, decrease in body weight, anemia, and enzyme disorders. It is used therapeutically to
enhance growth of children, and to assist gastric function and appetite. It is now realized that lysine is one of the
most important factors in preventing cancer cells from spreading in the body. There was a 7-fold range of need
observed in only 55 people! This is given to be from 400 mg to 2800 mg a day for adults. The need is cited as 12
mg/kg of body weight. First class protein supplies 50 mg per gram. For an adult to get 2000 mg a day, he would
need to eat 40 grams of protein. Excess will tend to excessive ammonia buildup.
Some do not convert lysine to carnitine. Dr. Leon Chaitow says that is due to malnutrition, most likely a lack of
vitamins B6, C, and niacin. These are needed to make the conversion. It is of interest to note that the body can
make carnitine from methionine, tryptophan, and threonine. Bland mentions genetic inability to convert lysine and
methionine to carnitine.
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Should this prove true, I would suggest a supplement of carnitine would be in order to provide necessary energy and
lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The major foods that are high in lysine, low in arginine are fish, chicken, beef,
lamb, milk, cheese, beans, Brewer’s yeast, and mung bean sprouts. Most fruits and vegetables are higher in lysine
too. Limit high arginine, low lysine foods: gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, whole-wheat and white flour,
peanuts, soybeans, peas, and wheat germ.
So, in summary, to increase carnitine, if it is low, feed the high-lysine foods and supplement lysine
modestly and supplement vitamins C, B6, and niacin. If this isn’t successful, then supplement carnitine
to raise needed energy levels and reduce blood fats, and then press your doctor for an answer as to why
lysine is not converting to carnitine.
The presentation of autism is sometimes linked to ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, the most common
urea cycle defect. Damage to this enzyme can occur with exposure to mercury. A low level of OTC leads to states of
hyperammonemia, seizures, and stroke, critical issues in states of epilepsy and autism. The often spacy, confused
behavior, “brain fog”, that is frequently observed in these disorders may be attributed to states of hyperammonemia
as ammonia reaches the brain. This behavior may be attenuated with bicarbonate of soda, Ca/Mg butyrate, or
phenyl butyrate in doses spread throughout the day.
Children with mild or moderate urea cycle enzyme deficiencies may not show symptoms until early childhood,
or the symptoms may go unheeded. This childhood onset can be seen in both boys and girls. Symptoms include
hyperactive behavior, sometimes accompanied by screaming and self-injurious behavior, agitation or
irritability, and refusal to eat meat or other high-protein foods. Later symptoms include vomiting, lethargy,
delirium, seizures, and finally, if the condition is undiagnosed and untreated, coma and death. Childhood
episodes of high ammonia (hyperammonemia) may be brought on by viral illnesses, including chickenpox, or
even exhaustion. There is likely to be an ammonia smell to the urine. Protease digestive enzymes may relieve
the burden. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Reye’s syndrome.
The lack of HCl causes the environment of the gut to be greatly changed, inviting overgrowth of Candida yeast that
produces a multitude of adverse symptoms. One of the characteristics of some severe fungal infections is that the
patient never gets a cold. We hear, “He is the healthiest person in the family.” We know fungi provide protection from
bacterial infections; however, when yeast is killed off without reestablishing proper flora, bacterial infestations are
quick to take over. Bacterial overgrowth, such as citrobacter fruendii (that destroys the mucus lining of the gut), is also a
result of this lack of HCl. Another nearly impossible to kill bacterium is Klebsiella Pneumoniae. Here is one successful
way to beat them. Dr. Amy Holmes, Baton Rouge, Louisiana says, “I finally was able to completely rid Mikey of the
ever-present Klebsiella Pneumoniae. It had been 4-plus in each and every stool culture for at least the last 3 years,
despite throwing everything reasonable, both antibiotics and natural substances, at it. I finally realized that nothing was
able to get at this bug because of its heavy LPS coat, so I ‘uncoated’ it with bismuth subsalicylate, and killed it with PO
Neomycin. I used Neomycin 250 mg/bismuth subsalicylate 50 mg capsules—a compounding pharmacist must make
these. It can be made as an oral suspension too. The dose is 1 capsule three times a day for 10 days. We are celebrating
its defeat. Mike went through a period of apparent die-off for about a week, but has now gotten over that. His progress
has been astounding lately.” See my Electronic Book “Self-help to Good Health”, Chapter “Candidiasis”.
Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs does a stool test to determine what bacteria are present, and the natural substance
to which they are susceptible. These are the substances that may overcome these “bugs”: Lauricidin®, Berberine,
amphotericin B, Oil of Oregano, Plant Tannins, Uva-Ursi, and Tanalbit (3 caps per meal). [Intensive Nutrition
Products, 1-510-632-2370, Oil of Oregano (2 drops AM meal/2 drops PM meal in juice, or 2 drops under the
tongue. Capsules are available that can be used simultaneously, 800-769-7873]. Nystatin™ is a polyene antibiotic
produced by the bacteria Streptomyces noursei. When given by mouth, it is not absorbed to any significant extent
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and remains in the intestine. This keeps the drug where it is needed and minimizes any systemic effects. The usual
dose schedule is one to two million units a day, either as a single dose or in divided doses. Doses of up to 10
million units a day, or more, may be needed initially to eliminate yeast. Maintenance doses of one or two million
units a day for in excess of a year are common. Please ensure that it is not formulated in a sugar base that feeds the
Candida! Side effects are limited to nausea and gastrointestinal upset, usually only seen at doses over 5 million
units daily, however, die-off reactions may cause regression, nausea, rash, vomiting, or diarrhea that may last for a
week to ten days. Since it is not absorbed, the yellow color of the drug will modify the stool color, which may
alarm some parents if they are not forewarned. Nystatin™ and other treatments will work best if an anti-yeast diet
is followed. Principally, this means to eliminate all fermented foods and anything with vinegar or barley malt in
them. Eliminate all simple sugars, high Glycemic Indexed foods, and fruit juices.
Amphotericin B™ is more effective and less allergenic than Oregano, and all aromatic oils place an extra demand
on Phase I liver enzymes that is undesirable for most autistic. Nystatin™ and Amphotericin B™ seem to work well
in combination.. For most children Nystatin™ is ineffective, and Candida, like bacteria with antibiotics, has become
resistant to Nystatin™ (and other antifungals). Oral Amphotericin B™ is said to be safe, and about four times as
effective as Nystatin™. Like Nystatin™, it is said to stay in the gut. For systemic invasions, injections are
necessary. Injections, however, come with a long list of possible side effects, including aplastic anemia that would
indicate it is preferable only to use it orally. Be aware, however, that it depletes potassium and magnesium, both
vital minerals already in short supply. It may be best to use the natural things first. It is available from Wellness
Health and Pharmaceuticals (800-227-2627) and College Pharmacy (800-855-9538).
Some use the herb Una Del Gato (Cat’s Claw) to fight Candida and other parasites. This is dangerous for long
term use, for it is toxic to the liver and to peripheral mononuclear blood cells. It also inhibits cytochrome p450
(Phase I) liver enzymes causing unnatural and dangerous retention of the toxins of the Candida die-off!
Additionally, long-term use would also cause a buildup to possibly poisonous levels of several classes of drugs
and body toxins, and of substances like fatty acids, body alcohols, prostaglandins, steroids, estrogens, retinoic
acid, and glycine. It also destroys the gut lining creating a condition favorable to “leaky gut” syndrome. Should
you choose to use it, buy only the “TOA free” product that is being effective against Lyme disease. Some drugs
also inhibit Phase I. For example, certain H2-blockers (cimetidine), macrolide antibiotics, and SSRIs can bind
to the reactive site of one or more of the Phase I detoxification enzymes and competitively inhibit their activity.
Speaking of Lyme Disease, Tami Duncan (www.lymeinducedautism.com) says, “We are not saying that Lyme
Disease is the exact cause of autism for every child. What we are saying is that Lyme Disease could be an inciting
factor that is suppressing the child’s immune system, which would make them more susceptible to heavy metal
toxicity and environmental factors. There is a large subset of autistic children in which this is happening. However,
most children with Lyme Induced Autism cannot begin to heal until this infection is under control.”
Currently, several doctors have stepped forward talking about this. Dr. Warren Levin, of Vienna, VA, recently
appeared on the on-line radio show, www.autismone.com. He stated that of the 10 children with autism he
tested for Lyme Disease, 100% of them came back positive for Lyme Disease. If your child is not responding
as well as you would have it, find a Lyme Specialist and have the test.
Treatment is typically an ineffective 30 days of antibiotic (effective only when very recently infected). Once
entrenched, it will take a year or several years of antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics have so many deleterious
effects on autistic children, as past research has shown, that, if other non-antibiotic treatment protocols, such as
oral salts, dioxychlor, phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), Acyl-L-Carnitine, Vitamins B5 (or pantothene), B6, and C
(buffered) in high doses, Lysine, S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), Cat’s Claw (TAO-free), and Artemesia hold
hope for eradication of Lyme Disease, then these should be tried before antibiotics. In any case, be prepared for
heavy die-off, and cut back if symptoms are intolerable.
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Lyme Spirochete toxins diminish the release and availability of acetylcholine. Dietary supplements that help the
body produce or release acetylcholine are listed above. Taurine, DMAE and CDP-choline also help to increase
acetylcholine. The production of acetylcholine is also dependent on carbon dioxide, which will be in better supply
when there is higher cellular energy. - Bradford R, Allen H “Biochemistry of Lyme Disease: Borrelia burgdorferi
Spirochete/Cyst” Townsend Letter, 2006 http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMar2006/lyme0206.htm
Dr. Robert Bradford, through the Bradford Institute, an independent research entity, funded by American
Biologics, is the developer of Bismacine (TM), a chemical compound of Bismuth. This formulation has shown
to be effective at the Ingles Hospital against spirochete and cyst forms of the Lyme organism.
Whether with Candida or Lyme, almost all remedies lose effectiveness in time and must be alternated; however,
goat yogurt and hydrogen peroxide therapy (H2O2) seem to continue effective with Candida. If your child cannot
tolerate goat yogurt, supplement a high-count probiotic and S. boulardii. Perhaps an easier way is to periodically use
colostrum (Kirkman Lab’s Colostrum Gold™ is casein free—others may not be), or whey, if you can tolerate it.
(Whey must be undenatured. There are two I know of, Immunocal™ that may not be readily available, and is very
expensive, and “The Ultimate Whey™” by Next Nutrition, Inc., www.designerprotein.com, that is available at most
health food stores, or may be ordered from Nutrition Express 800-338-7979.) These provide lactoferrin that
deprives these bacteria of the iron they need to replicate, and it contains a peptide, lactoferricin, that is bactericidal
against E.coli, Klebsiella, pseudomonas, Proteus, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Listeria, and other bacterial species.
Lactoferrin also kills viruses, fungi (Candida), and certain tumor cells. When fed to adult animals and human
infants, lactoferrin showed a dramatic increase in good micro flora—such as bifidus—and a decrease in bad
bacteria, such as E. coli, streptococcus, clostridium, and others. Recent research in N.Z. is very exciting – When
injected into bone, lactoferrin was found to inhibit the formation of cells that resorb bone and stimulate the cells that
form bone. In any case, use of these natural aids will protect the “good guys” unlike antibiotics that destroy
everything including the gut. Whey, because of its cystine content, may be undesirable where there is a
sulfoxidation problem.
Virtually all bacteria, except for Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, require iron for growth. The liver produces
lactoferrin, an iron chelator, when challenged by infectious agents. Animals protect themselves from infection by
making chemicals that bind iron so that the microbes cannot use it. These iron-binding proteins, called lactoferrin,
are concentrated in human milk and are found inside human white blood cells. The high lactoferrin in human milk
protects breast-fed infants against intestinal infection. Pure lactoferrin is now available in capsules or as a major
component of Colostrum, and has proved to be very useful for the prevention and treatment of intestinal infection,
without side effects. It inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria and protozoa by starving them for iron, while
improving iron absorption by the human host. It is recommended that travelers and other people who cannot control
the cleanliness of their food supply take one thousand milligrams of lactoferrin at bedtime and the artemisininberberine herbal mixture after meals.
Lactoferrin is the transporter for iron, and if you are low in lactoferrin, you will suffer from iron-created free radicals
following behind the traveling, free-iron particles for the iron has not been encapsulated within lactoferrin for safe
delivery to cells. This can be very damaging, and it is one aspect of the excess iron problem. Colostrum and its
derivatives are the only antimicrobials that make the claim of differentiating between friendly bacteria and pathogenic
bacteria. The difference is in the way iron is required. Pathogens require free iron to proliferate, but friendly bacteria do
not require iron.
Lactoferrin, from bovine colostrum, is showing “surprising results”. It binds free iron, denying it to bacteria so they
cannot freely multiply. It also enhances Natural Killer Cell function and glutathione production. Colostrum and
whey have high levels of lactoferrin that kills Candida very well (Email: Dr. Darryl See).
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Researchers showed that when yeast cells were deprived of iron, the hierarchy of the cell rationed the available iron,
making sure the most vital functions of the cell received what little iron was available, while cutting back on the
iron supply to more than 80 different genes that require iron to function. The genes that went without included genes
responsible for protecting the cell from free radicals, genes that copy the cell’s DNA for long-term survival, and
genes that generate energy. This would seem to be how bacterial cells are inhibited as well.
Only vitamin A, monolaurin, and lactoferrin inhibited the growth of Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Lactoferrin and
immunoglobulins, prevent colonization of the gut by pathogenic enterobacteria (Ann Pediatr Paris 1993; 40(1):1322). The majority of antibodies and immunoglobulins in Colostrum are not absorbed, but remain in the
intestinal tract where they attack these pathogens before they can penetrate the body’s defenses. “The
Proline Rich Antibodies (PRP) in colostrum have the same ability to regulate activity of the immune system
as does the hormones of the Thymus gland. It activates an underactive immune system helping it move into
action against disease-causing organisms. PRP also suppresses an overactive immune system, such as is
seen in autoimmune diseases. PRP is highly anti-inflammatory and also appears to act on T-cell precursors
to produce helper T-cells and suppresser T-cells”—Drs. Staroscik, Molecular Immunology. “Before using
Lactoferrin, check RBC ferritin and iron (Fe) levels carefully”—Patricia Kane, Ph. D.
A major difference between formula and mother’s milk is the presence of oligosaccharides in breast milk. Breast
milk contains six of the monosaccharides present in the glyconutritional supplement that was used in this study
that are known to be important in cellular functioning. The eight are fucose, sialic acid, galactose, mannose, Nacetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, xylose, and glucose. Colostrum contains the antibody
immunoglobulin A (IgA) and five of the six monosaccharides found in human milk (the exception being
mannose). IgA comprises 70-80% of all human antibodies. There are also other important immune system agents
in breast milk, including cytokines, human-milk-fat globule, and phosphorylated glycoproteins, protectin,
lactoferrin, and glycosphingolipids. These components have been shown to be important in brain development—
Dr. Kathryn Dykman, MD.
The results of a Polish study shows that New Zealand Black (NZB) mice treated for a prolonged period with
bovine lactoferrin (BLF) exhibit a decreased frequency of positive Coombs’ reaction. [A Coombs’ test is
performed to detect the presence of antibodies against red blood cells. The test is used to support the diagnosis of
immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IHA)]. The data indicated that lactoferrin may be of therapeutical value in
treatment of autoimmune disorders. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1995, 43:3-4, 207-9.
From the above, we may have been overlooking a more successful way to overcome gut pathogens and to
possibly inhibit the autoimmune reactions of autism. To restore L-Acidophilus, those on a milk-free diet need
to use the yeast, S. boulardii, that will convert any carbohydrate to lactic acid. Lactobacilli will live only in a
lactic acid environment.
Yersinia is the name of a genus of bacteria. Yersinia pestis (bubonic plague) is the most well known. In addition,
there are several other species of Yersinia that can and do infect humans. One of the troubling aspects of Yersinia
infections is that the immune response to them is severely impaired. Apparently, one of the ways that Yersinia does
this is to “hide” in macrophages (a type of white cell which, in the blood stream, is called a monocyte) and then to
suppress thyroid function, interact with the normal inflammatory response to cause it not to work correctly, and to
alter the ability of the blood/brain barrier allowing foreign material, bacteria, etc. to get in there. When the Yersinia
infected cells are found in the gut, they contribute to malabsorption of gluten (breads) and cause colitis—Susan J.
Leclair, Ph.D., CLS(NCA).
Uva-Ursi is normally used for lower, urinary-tract infections (bladder and urethra) and as a mild diuretic. Cranberry
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juice (not drink) is very effective in clearing urinary infection, and Kirkman has an extract that is highly
concentrated. D-mannose is also highly effective. Candida infection of female organs and bladder can be readily
controlled by either a boric acid suppository (98% success rate), or by filling the cavity with yogurt! Some are using
Uva-Ursi for dysbiosis. It probably should not be used by children for it may damage the liver, nor should it be used
for prolong periods, or in high doses. Use it only under a doctor’s supervision. Dr. Susan Lark, MD, suggests that
women applying estriol cream daily for two weeks will likely stop the infection for good. This will usually get rid of
any unwanted facial hair that has appeared.
The above named remedies do not treat systemic Candida, however, and it may require Diflucan™,
Sporanox™ or Lamisil™ for that purpose. Please note that Diflucan™ is fluoride based, and it is best to
avoid it if possible. Medicines prescribed should all be anti-fungal, i.e., nor-nicotine and nicotine (very limited
usage), along with the nutrients vitamins B1 through B6 (especially nicotinic acid (niacin - that is strongly
antifungal), potassium, lithium, iodine, sulfates and sulfur (MSM, Epsom salts), and iron. Soda breads
(pancakes, waffles, crackers, and biscuits) are said to be helpful, but you must not use sugars with them.
Glyconutrients containing 11 polysaccharides have been found to enhance phagocytosis of Candida, and
killing of Candida was 95% greater than in controls (Fisher Institute for Medical Research
“Proceedings”, November 1997). Those with Candida have been shown to have significant deficiencies of
vitamins B1, B6, and magnesium. Some of the vitamins, especially vitamin B12, are best supplemented by
sublingual tablets in their coenzyme forms. Unfortunately, sublinguals often contain dyes and sweeteners you
may find unsuitable. There are liquid vitamins that can be sprayed into the mouth and held there. You may want
to check their suitability. Using these sublingually will supply the needed help regardless of digestive problems.
Remove all yeast and raw vegetables from the diet, and boil all vegetables in salt (NaCl) water—drain, and
cook normally. This will remove all bacteria and fungi the child’s body is not yet able to handle. Supplement
HCl, as suggested elsewhere, to provide an additional barrier and enhance digestion. Also avoid the strongly
pro-fungal pill binder, lactose (milk sugar), and milk products, and the chlorophylls. All forms of stress must be
avoided for that produces cortisol and other steroids that feed the fungi. Heavy or even modest physical
workouts must be avoided because they generate lactic acids at a rate that the body cannot handle. If this
cannot be avoided, then Mannatech’s Sport and Em•Pact™ have been shown to give rapid recovery from
lactic-acid overload.
A most appealing way to rid the body of Candida is the use of an inexpensive, transient, spore-forming, soil
bacteria that are nontoxic, nonpathogenic, and has an extremely antagonistic effect on Candida albicans. It is
believed to actually “feed” selectively on Candida, coexisting with Bifido-bacteria and L. Acidophilus that
the formula also supplies. It is called “Bacillus Laterosporus BOD”, and can be obtained as Yeast
Avenger™ from www.cfsn.com [888-801-2376, outside USA (503) 590-9519]. DAN! doctors sometimes
use S. boulardii for the same purpose. You may be able to control the rate of die-off by how much you take,
and can avoid reinfestation immediately, as often occurs when quitting drugs, by continuing a small amount
periodically. An interesting idea is to use these bacteria as a challenge test. If you experience no die-off
symptoms, then you likely do not have Candida overgrowth. These should be coupled with Culturelle™
(Klaire), or Pro-culture Gold™ (Kirkman) 20 billion count L. Acidophilus.
Die-off of yeast can produce severe regression in all autistic symptoms, explosive diarrhea, severe diaper rash,
lethargy, fever, bloating, nausea, vomiting, eczema, aching, headache, stuffiness, seizures, and an intense craving
for sweets. To quickly relieve these intense cravings, mix a quarter teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water
and drink it down. Obviously, this is by stimulating the adrenals to release glycogen from the liver. This would
speak of the need to support the adrenals as outlined elsewhere in this paper. To quickly break an irresistible
craving, open the capsule of glutamine and place it under the tongue. Another suggestion: mix a teaspoon of
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baking soda into a glass of warm water and rinse the mouth for a few seconds. Drinking it may relieve the other
symptoms listed, or use AlkaSeltzer Gold™ (sodium/potassium) to relieve die-off. To overcome chocolate
cravings, sip a cup of ginger tea. It contains the same chemicals, but not the calories. The cravings for sweets and
creamy foods that are high in fat may be triggered by a deficiency of zinc. Taking up to 30 mg zinc picolinate
daily over time will help reduce these cravings. The amino acid glutamine (250 to 500 mg up to three times daily)
and the mineral chromium (200-400 mcg), supplemented regularly, will also reduce cravings for sweets and
starches caused by hypoglycemia by stabilizing delivery of sugar to the brain. Additionally, with adequate
chromium (a good source is Brewer’s yeast), the body doesn’t produce as much insulin, reducing chance of
hypoglycemia.
One will likely never be free of Candida until five things are occur: 1) eliminate mercury and other toxins
interfering with energy pathways, 2) eliminate excess systemic alkalinity—these individuals exhibit a
sodium-potassium ratio of less then 2.3:1, indicative of adrenal burnout, induced hyper-alkalinity, and an
impaired immune system, 3) restore deficient HCl and bile secretions—these shortages lead to an
excessively alkaline gut, to poor digestion of proteins, to poor assimilation of most minerals and vitamins,
and to poor digestion of fats that creates fatty acid imbalances leading to amino acid imbalances, and 4)
restore biochemical energy production (mitochondrial function)—the energy pathways require optimal
amounts of copper, iron, manganese, potassium, magnesium, carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, NADH, and
CoQ10, (see the Section “Healing the Leaky Gut”), 5) Correct carbohydrate intolerances—stress causes a
rapid depletion of zinc and of the bio-unavailability of copper resulting in a severe derangement of glucose
metabolism. Poor absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines creates fermentation by gut organisms. This,
as well as sugar in the diet, actually makes children drunk, and some have the smell of alcohol on their
breath. This causes hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, and a proliferation of yeast in the gut.
This is a quotation from Dr. Shaw’s book “Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD”: “Many of the yeast
byproducts are acids, and release of the acids that are absorbed into the body may cause a condition called
metabolic acidosis. An extremely simple therapy is to supply a mild antidote that neutralizes the excess acids.
The most convenient product is a nonprescription drug called Alka-Seltzer Gold™. Do not use any other kind
of Alka-Seltzer™. Alka-Seltzer Gold™ is simply a very safe product (sodium and potassium bicarbonate) that
helps to neutralize excess acids of any kind. The dose for children is on the label. Do not exceed the number of
recommended doses.” One mother wrote, “It worked so well for both of my children that the die-off was an
uneventful experience, even though they both had very high levels of yeast.” The restoring of acid/alkaline
balance also relieves many allergies.
In any case, it should take no longer than six months to rid the body of parasites. If it has been longer, you are
probably not being aggressive enough, or you are not using a proper protocol. It will likely be necessary to make
three or more tests for parasites since shedding of the eggs tends to be cyclical, and may not show in a single test. In
any case, it is unlikely to detect the parasites that inhabit the upper intestine. Most parasites, except giardia and
amoeba, will elevate levels of the white-blood-cell eosinophil (EOS) that is produced in response to allergens and
infections. Giardia Lamblia is usually associated with food intolerances, gastrointestinal symptoms (including
diarrhea), and fatigue, but severe hypothyroidism may be a result. A published study of 96 patients with chronic
fatigue demonstrated active Giardia infection in 46%. Giardia infection was found in about half of a group of two
hundred patients with chronic diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating—Leo Galland. Giardia is often
accompanied by Candida. It is imperative you take aggressive action to rid the body of parasites and heavy metals.
With them will go many “autism” symptoms.
This additional information from Dr. Shaw: Most of the abnormal microbial products found in urine testing are
almost surely from yeast and/or fungi in the gastrointestinal tract, since they decline following the use of an
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antifungal drug, Nystatin. Many autistic children have a background of frequent infections (especially middle ear
infection), which are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (even though the ear infections are usually of viral
origin—WSL). Some children may have elevated yeast metabolites after only a singular antibiotic exposure. Over
700 articles in the medical literature document antibiotic stimulation of yeast growth. Since both early onset and
high frequency of ear infection are associated with greater severity of autism, a yeast connection seems
worthwhile to evaluate. Autism is usually a regression. This regression is often associated with thrush and/or
frequent antibiotic use.
Dr. Shaw’s laboratory has biochemically documented the “yeast die-off” or Herxheimer reaction
that follows the initial use of antifungal drugs. During the first three days of antifungal use,
values for these microbial metabolites increase dramatically, and begin to normalize near day
four. Die-off usually lasts about 7-14 days, and after that time, the change in the child can be
rather dramatic. Parents report that after the yeast is under control the frequency of
inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior
decrease. The child no longer acts almost drunk by being silly and laughing inappropriately. If
the die-off does not end in 14-17 days, it is generally a reason to change one’s choice of antifungal. Additional reasons for teeth grinding may be parasites and too many apples/juice
(feeding Candida).
“All the mainstream medical textbooks talk about how people with hormone imbalances due to pituitary problems
get yeast. Mercury causes pituitary problems. (In fact, heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as
pesticides and chemicals in plastics we daily use, are hormone disruptors—WSL.) As if that isn’t enough, yeast is
controlled by neutrophils generating oxygen radicals, and mercury prevents your neutrophils from generating
oxygen radicals! (Mercury inhibits macrophage and neutrophil defense against Candida by its effects on Th1 and
Th2 cytokines—WSL). So, it seems reasonable that mercury toxicity causes yeast problems. The fact that lots of
adults with intractable yeast problems have them suddenly go away, without special treatment, once they start
mercury detoxification supports the view that mercury causes yeast. So, if you are mercury toxic, you have a high
chance of having a yeast problem, and the yeast will cause its own symptoms. You can reduce those symptoms
modestly if you treat the yeast, but you will never really get better until you treat the mercury—and once you do
that, you can stop treating the yeast because your body will be able to keep it in check”—Andy Cutler.
When Candida has become fungal and entered the bloodstream (Candidiasis), it is an extremely serious problem
that is best controlled by hydrogen-peroxide infusions. Done properly in a clinic setting, the allergies can be
disappearing in five to ten days, and the yeast can be gone in 21 to 28 days. A palatable oral form of hydrogen
peroxide is available from the health food store under Dr. Donsbach’s brand, SuperOxy Plus™.
In addition to having estrogenic effects, mercury has other documented hormonal effects including lowered
levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, and suppressed thyroid function. Some
of the effect on depression is also related to mercury’s effect of reducing the level of posterior pituitary
hormone (oxytocin) and depressing the thyroid. The concentrations of mercury in the pituitary and thyroid
glands are much higher than found in the kidney, brain, or liver in humans.
Copperheads
An inordinate number of children with autism have an excess of copper stored in tissues. Women tend to have
copper levels 1/3 higher than men, making them more susceptible to copper toxicity. This is because “The Pill”
often has copper in it and IUDs are copper. At one laboratory, it is reported that more than 50% of all hair samples
show a copper imbalance. This copper is unbound with protein (ceruloplasmin), and thus, unavailable for normal
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uses, including its use as an antifungal to fight Candida. Most copper is bound to ceruloplasmin, but MT proteins
can serve as a temporary storage site in the presence of excessive amounts of copper. Once the MT proteins bind
copper, they are unable to bind zinc and become disabled. Dr. Wm. Walsh reports that only 10% of copper is
normally unbound, but in children with autism, this often runs as high as 40% unbound! Unbound copper, like
unbound iron, is a disaster of free radical damage, calling for the best antioxidant combination that you can find,
Ambrotose AO!
“We have measured serum copper, serum ceruloplasmin, and plasma zinc for more than 2,000 of our 3,300
autistic patients. More than 95% exhibit a copper overload that usually is quite extreme. In autism, the
problem with copper is overload, not deficiency. We’ve measured the blood levels after treatment in
thousands of these patients, and the copper elevations are slow to correct, even with aggressive zinc therapy.
Copper supervision in the body occurs in intestinal mucosa through the action of metallothionein. Since the
MT system is AWOL in autism, it’s not surprising that copper overload is prevalent in ASD. We believe the
best way to correct this serious metal metabolism problem is to normalize MT levels in intestinal mucosa
and the blood-brain barrier.” Email from Dr. Wm. Walsh, December 14, 2003.
In one long-term study, the U.S. Army found that the immunized group had depressed serum iron and elevated
serum copper. When inflammation rises, iron levels fall and copper levels rise. Inflammation is the cause of
almost all chronic conditions, including Autism. Aggressively address all infection and inflammation. CLO is an
effective way as is the use of a bromelain supplement.
These “Copperheads” have very active minds, but the excess copper causes GI disturbances, impaired protein
metabolism—causing a weakness of protein structures by interfering with the cross-linking process (one effect being
breakage or leakage of capillaries that may cause small strokes and/or a dangerous aneurysm in vein or artery—also a
symptom of too little copper), salivation, acne, a metallic taste, dizziness, headache—including migraine, loss of
appetite (underweight), no desire for the zinc of red meat (yet an inordinate desire for chocolate, avocados, soy, or
carob that are very high in copper), anxiety, various female difficulties, severe fatigue—even after adequate rest,
detachment from reality termed spaciness, alternating moods, panic, fearfulness, schizophrenia, phobias, and weakness.
Excess copper also raises sodium and lowers potassium and manganese tissue levels. Excess copper, by displacing zinc
and manganese, is often associated with thyroid and pancreatic dysfunction. Pro-oxidant copper ions affect glutathione
distribution in several ways. Jaundice and high bilirubin levels are signs of copper toxicity, as are earaches and
ear infections. When inflammation rises, your iron level falls and copper level rises.
Some people with high copper dislike all protein. They crave high-carbohydrate diets, and don’t like water.
Copper-toxic individuals may be drawn to sweets or salty foods due to adrenal insufficiency. Some sea salt is often
beneficial. Sweets, including fruit juices, provide a temporary lift, but may worsen the condition. Protein feels
heavy, or causes other symptoms. Eating protein stimulates glandular activity that releases stored copper, which
causes the symptoms. These individuals usually need to eat protein. The taste for meat often returns when copper is
brought into better balance.
Additionally, copper imbalance (both excess and deficiency) can contribute to heavy metal poisoning by
slowing the rate of metabolism (slowing the thyroid), reducing the body’s ability to detoxify heavy metals.
Severe cases cause hypertension, liver damage, kidney failure, and death. In schizophrenia, there is found
increased levels of copper and mercury and reduced levels of zinc, magnesium, and calcium that are known to
be inhibited by heavy metals and to affect neurotransmitter levels.
Citrus fruit increases intestinal absorption of copper, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) binds and transports it,
however, large amounts of vitamin C, with vitamin B6 and zinc, will remove the excess copper from the brain. These
should be combined with manganese in a 3:1 zinc/manganese ratio, as a prolonged zinc therapy can result in
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manganese deficiency. These supplements will favorably influence the emotional and psychological symptoms listed.
Before undertaking this, one should have a hair test to determine the zinc/copper status. However, caution is urged in
the interpretation as animal studies show that reduced dietar0y zinc leads at first to low zinc levels in the hair, but when
zinc depletion continues, values seem to return to the normal range, presumably because reduced hair growth resulting
from impaired protein synthesis leads to a compensating increase in concentrations of zinc and other elements in the
hair as it grows.
Dr. Wm. Walsh in an Email stated, “I learned that extremely elevated sulfur in a hair analysis is a tell-tale
sign of an improper sample, cross-contamination, or some other factor which results in crazy, meaningless
values. The first element I look for in a hair analysis is sulfur. If the values are extremely high or low, I don’t
waste my time studying any of the data. It’s usually worthless. Another telltale sign of a worthless analysis is
very high levels of chromium, nickel, strontium, and iron in the same sample. A surprisingly high percentage
of hair analysis results are meaningless, usually because an improper sample was submitted to the lab. It
takes a lot of experience to spot the bad ones. Bob Smith of Great Smokies Lab is probably the best person
in the world at identifying contaminated samples.”
Major contributing factors to this excess copper is the use of birth-control pills (depletes zinc, magnesium, and
vitamin B6), copper intra-uterine devices, antibiotic therapy, stress, Candida overgrowth, and strict vegetarian and
refined food diets that are deficient in zinc. Certain food dyes and colorings have a high hydrazine content that
causes zinc depletion. Excess copper can be from swimming pools and Jacuzzis using copper sulfate for algae
control. Foods rich in copper include nuts, soy, avocado, chocolate, and carob. Persons with the Cu/Zn chemical
imbalance need to be vigilant in limiting sources of copper. When dumping copper (when stress and or estrogen
levels are high), there will be increased levels of insomnia and depression, skin rashes, anxiety, fatigue, headache
(usually migraine), digestive disorders, abdominal bloating, and a flare-up of a wide variety of chronic conditions
listed above, such as hypoglycemia and Candida yeast overgrowth, including vaginal yeast infections. A hallmark is
the feeling that no one understands them. These reactions usually last a couple of days, and then subside to their
chronic levels again. Redness or red tints to the hair is also an indicator of a copperhead. Additionally, high estrogen
levels from high intake of soy, flax, or other sources (such as fat cells and increased aromatase production) increases
levels of a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) that binds to thyroid hormone in the blood, preventing it
from entering cells! The Pill, HRT, pesticides, cadmium, and other sources of estrogen are producing
hypothyroidism! (Dr. Whitaker’s Health and Healing, Sept 2003).
Estrogen causes calories to be turned into fat, and the fat cells then produce more estrogen. So, when symptoms of
hypothyroidism are present, high estrogen levels could be the cause. To counter this effect of estrogen, topical
progesterone is recommended. Low progesterone in women between the ages of 30 and 50 may lead to
autoimmune hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s disease, as a consequence of immune stimulation by the dominant
estrogen. Stress may have the same effect on mitochondria. To improve mitochondrial function, supplement
Acetyl L-carnitine, CoQ10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. This improves liver and gall bladder function also. (Dr.
Raphael Kellman, Sept 2004 Life Extension).
There has been a lot of controversy over estrogen replacement causing breast cancer, stroke, and, cardiovascular
disease. Dr. Jonathan Wright reports that a recently published study showed that real human progesterone and
estrogen didn’t cause any of these problems, and horse estrogen didn’t either. When it comes to breast and
vascular problems estrogen isn’t dangerous, progestin (Provera™, Prempro™) is!
Dr. Schmitt says that, in his opinion, rashes are a sign of excessive copper working itself out of the system.
Unavailable, excess copper is one of the normal clinical findings for people with Candida infections. The
problems may not be due to copper toxicity, but rather with its interference with the absorption and
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distribution of other metals such as iron (which cannot be absorbed without available copper—fortifying
iron will not help, but will actually make the anemia worse) and zinc.
The distressing symptoms of copper toxicity are often due to both dietary and stress-induced zinc deficiency,
not an excess of copper. Adrenal insufficiency prevents synthesis of ceruloplasmin, necessary to utilization
of copper (and many of these kids are adrenal deficient). When unbound with ceruloplasmin, copper begins to
accumulate in tissues and organs. It is the zn/cu ratio that counts. The ideal zinc-copper ratio is 8:1. If below 6:1
(hair), one should consider the above symptoms to be copper toxicity. The principal reason for copper
toxicity is adrenal insufficiency (in 70 to 80%) resulting largely from stress, leading to a deficiency of
zinc (imbalancing the ratio with copper), sodium, manganese, pantothenic acid, inositol, folic acid, rutin,
and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, and E. The adrenals are strengthened and copper absorption and utilization are
increased by supplementing adrenal glandular, molybdenum, iron, sulfur, niacin, inositol (as Inositol
Hexaniacinate), choline, and the above listed nutrients, including extra biotin and PABA. Additionally, lead and
mercury interfere with the synthesis of ceruloplasmin and ferritin contributing to copper and iron toxicity. It is
important to learn to cope with stress in order to spare the adrenals and to reduce the loss of zinc.
Supplementing 200 mcg of chromium has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by 47%! Magnesium,
melatonin, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid further reduce this deadly hormone. A 45-minute massage
(backrub?) showed a similar reduction. The practice of a relaxation-meditation exercise would be similarly
effective. Maintaining a positive expectation would work, as would strong religious faith, and an expectation of
sustaining help from the Lord. This will reduce loss of zinc, and help to prevent the buildup of excessive
copper in tissues. Supplement the diet with 20 mg zinc daily, and with up to 60 mg of zinc during any acute,
disease state or other severe stress, along with the other supplements mentioned. Where the excess copper is
non-bioavailable, it may be necessary to supplement a small amount of copper to enable the body to produce
the ceruloplasmin that is necessary to the bioavailability of copper.
Copper deficiency predisposes to molybdenum excess. Significantly elevated moly is unusual, and some toxic
effects are due to displacement of copper or inactivation of copper enzymes. Copper enzymes form vital
neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. The brain, other than the cerebellum and
hypothalamus, has these transmitters decreased 30% to 60% in various sectors by a copper deficiency
[Feller 1983]. Neutropenia is the earliest symptom in copper deficient babies [Cordano, et al]. The immune
system is very sensitive to adequate copper [Prohaska & Lukaseqycz ]. Copper deficient mice have lower
number of antibody cells even though the spleen weight is greater [Prohaska & Lukasewicz]. Rats were fed
diets deficient in copper for 35 days. This resulted in a significant increase in serum cholesterol levels and a
significant decline in plasma thyroxine concentrations and body temperatures. Compared with rats fed the
adequate diet, those fed the marginal and deficient diets had significantly lower plasma concentrations of
triiodothyronine (T3) and significantly higher TSH levels. The activity of thyroxine 5’-monodeiodinase (the
enzyme that converts T4 to T3) was reduced in the liver and brown adipose tissue of copper deficient rats.
Copper deficiency is rampant in the United States. The best test for copper deficiency is intracellular (red
blood cell), while serum or plasma copper tests are too insensitive, and hence not worth obtaining, unless a
ceruloplasmin reading is also obtained. Emphysema can be produced in animals by a copper deficiency
[Soskel, et al]. The emphysema seems to have an elastin defect greater than can be explained by crosslinking alone [Soskel, et al]. Dilated superficial veins (varicose veins) are observed in copper deficient
organisms. Elastin is about as flexible as a rubber band, and it can stretch to two times its length [Carnes
1977]. Collagen is about 1000 times stiffer; so, it is vital that one doesn’t induce a copper deficiency when
supplementing high amounts of vitamin C and zinc.
If suffering from high copper levels, avoid high copper foods: soy, avocado, chocolate, nuts, and seeds, and all
things that raise copper tissue levels such as copper IUDs, birth control pills, antibiotics, and foods with high content
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of phytoestrogens (soy and flax). Some children do a lot more stimming when using soy. Unfortunately, copper
sulfate is added to some city water supplies, and to swimming pools, as a fungicide. Unfortunately, also, the Mother
may transmit her copper/zinc imbalances to her unborn child.
Excess copper depletes zinc and vitamins B6 and C, and a zinc deficiency results in impaired absorption of folic acid
and also hinders the liver from releasing vitamin A. The best way to overcome copper toxicity is to rebuild the adrenals,
as listed above, and to supplement significantly vitamins B6 and C, chromium and zinc. Large amounts of these will
excrete the copper. Unless tests show the copper to be extremely high, our purpose is not so much to excrete it, but to
make it bio-available so the body can use it rather than store it. Attempts to reduce copper levels will likely precipitate a
copper dump and a flare up of symptoms including depression. One already suffering depression should attempt to
lower copper levels only under a Doctor’s guidance. These symptoms signal a beneficial elimination of excess copper,
and are indications of a healing process, and though uncomfortable, should be welcomed. Some, however, cannot
tolerate the symptoms, and should reduce the amounts of the supplements, or should skip a day or two and begin again
at lower amounts, or should take the supplements only once a day. Do whatever is necessary to reduce the
uncomfortable symptoms to bearable levels, but do not cease the program if you desire to regain optimal health.
Sometimes, one will feel really good for a few days before the dump, with its discomfort and changing moods,
hits. When the dump occurs, the individual will begin to feel hopeless, and will often go off their supplement
program. This is a very grave mistake. While these symptoms may appear to be related to the supplement
program, as often as not, they are caused by stress or a coming menstrual period. Any stress, physical or
emotional, results in a necessary increase in metabolic rate. This frequently results in a dump of excess copper into
the blood. Since an increase in one’s metabolic rate will cause a flare-up in symptoms, it becomes desirable to
temporarily slow one’s rate of metabolism. This is accomplished by increasing one’s calcium intake, which also
avoids a copper-induced calcium deficiency. One should also increase dietary fat intake 25-30% using Evening
Primrose oil, cod-liver oil, salad oils, cooking oils, and where permissible, dairy products. Slowing one’s rate of
metabolism is definitely of value in reducing the symptoms associated with copper toxicity. When the symptoms
are once again under control, it is time to resume the original nutritional program. To slow the metabolism
indefinitely, especially through a high intake of dairy, would result in increased storage of copper and a likely
weight gain.
How does this all manifest in autism? Copper toxicity is associated with symptoms of mind racing (commonly
seen in ADHD) due to enhanced activity of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and
serotonin resulting in inability to stop thoughts. Elsewhere in this paper, see how to reduce these transmitters.
Common problems will be loss of appetite, failure to eat protein, failure to thrive, insomnia, getting up in the
middle of the night jumping and stimulating the metabolism, resistance to drinking water, and headache. This
constant, self-stimulation is to enhance the metabolic rate by stimulating the burned-out adrenals. They are tired,
and yet will compulsively do anything to stimulate the adrenals and make themselves feel more normal. This
“stimming” raises the blood sugar, and may allow them to get back to sleep eventually. This activity further drains
the adrenals, however, leading to complete adrenal exhaustion unless something is done to support the adrenals.
Copper and mercury being elevated usually means not enough bile and glutathione are being made by the liver.
One of the roles of bile is to help excretion of toxins and metals, but fiber in the gut is needed to bind the bile
leading to excretion rather than reabsorption, so a low fiber diet hinders this process. Taking milk thistle extract,
taurine, glycine, and ensuring adequate fiber intake can improve the situation.
pH
The acid/alkaline balance is one of the most overlooked aspects of health, though Gary Null and others have written
much about it. In general, the American public is heavily acid, excepting vegetarians. A too-acid system speeds enzyme
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activity. Children with autism often are heavily alkaline. A too-alkaline system slows enzymes to a crawl. Minerals
have different pH levels at which they can be assimilated into the body. Sodium and magnesium have wide pH
assimilation ranges. It narrows somewhat for calcium and potassium, and narrows more for manganese and iron, and
yet more for zinc and copper, which are HIGH up on the atomic scale, requiring NEAR PERFECT pH for assimilation
into the body. Iodine, as you may know, is one of the most important minerals for proper functioning of the thyroid, but
the thyroid doesn’t get access to iodine unless the body pH is near perfect! Obviously, a less than optimum pH will
predispose to a deficiency of iodine, zinc, and copper. These three are critical for thyroid function.
Additionally, the environment is so heavily polluted with chlorine, fluorine, and bromine compounds, all in the
same family (halogens), and a lot more chemically active than iodine - the functional component of thyroid
hormone. These elements are known to interfere with the receptor sites at the cell level where real thyroid
hormone plugs in, and they trigger autoimmune diseases in the body. In the latter, the immune system
recognizes the foreign element as not quite right and attacks. Unfortunately, the immune system can neither
destroy nor eliminate the wrong halogen, so the attack continues, eventually destroying the gland itself. Fluoride
destroys iodine, creating a deficiency of this vital mineral. Pesticides (estrogenic) and all forms of estrogen
(including unfermented soy) slow the thyroid secretions and interfere with conversion of T4 to T3. Large
amounts of beta-carotene and/or PABA, polyunsaturated oils, and vegetarian diets (particularly for blood
type O and B) inhibit the thyroid.
Obesity increases the requirement for iodine – as does a high fat intake, and up to 100 mg (yes, mg)
elemental iodine/day may be required to achieve and maintain sufficiency! Smoking increases serum
thiocyanate levels, interfering with the sodium/iodide symporter function. Sources of goitrogens are
available from medical textbooks, and, although the halides, fluoride, and bromide are not listed as
goitrogens, fluoride interferes with the uptake of iodide by the thyroid gland symporter system, but is itself
not transported inside the thyrocyte, suggesting that fluoride causes oxidative damage to the halide-binding
site of the symporter. The goitrogenic effect of bromide, even at low concentrations is significant.
Additionally, patients who use water from wells and municipal plants may be exposed to potassium
perchlorate, a very powerful goitrogen that behaves like fluoride, binding to the halide-binding site of the
symporter without itself being symported. A recent Internet publication by Kirk et al reported the presence
of high concentrations of perchlorate in dairy milk sold in grocery stores and in human milk. The mean
levels of perchlorate were 5 times higher in breast milk than dairy milk. Perchlorate has a selectivity factor
of at least 30 over iodide. To compete effectively against this goitrogen, the peripheral concentration of
inorganic iodide must be at least 100 times higher than the concentration of perchlorate. Kirk et al observed
that breast and dairy iodide levels were inversely correlated with the levels of perchlorate. Perchlorate and
fluoride, due to their high redox potential, may cause oxidative damage to the halide-binding site, decreasing
its efficiency for iodide transport.
Additionally, certain brassica (cruciferous) plants and fruits: Bok Choy (Chinese Cabbage), Collard Greens, Kale,
Mustard Greens, Spinach, Turnip Greens, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Rutabaga, Peaches, and
Strawberries are often referred to as containing Goitrogens, and one is often cautioned not to eat them, at least if a
sluggish thyroid is suspected. This may be bad advice for it narrows the food choices and eliminates some of our
most valuable and nourishing foods. How do they suppress the thyroid? They use up the iodine stores. To overcome
the effects of goitrogens in the food chain, the amounts of iodine used in Japan would be necessary —Hormone &
Metabolic Res 1995, 27:450-454. Abraham describes a Graves’, exopthalmic female with undetectable TSH,
elevated T3, T4, and free T4. She started on 1200 mg per day magnesium for one month, which calmed her,
improved sleep, reduced burning, irritated eyes and lacrimation, and reduced palpitations – and then she started on
12.5 mg elemental iodine per day. All findings normalized in a month. So, rather than avoiding these valuable
foods, just do what is needed in the first place, supplement iodine. Additionally, an adequate intake of iodine
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will heavily chelate bromine, fluoride, and heavy metals restoring thyroid function and inhibiting bacteria
and viral infections. Do the iodine test periodically to ensure the iodine stores are adequate. Additionally,
cooking eliminates the goitrogens—http://oregonstate.edu/dept/hort/233/toxic.htm.
These vegetables supply Indole-3 Carbinol (I3C) that provides two powerful phytonutrients, Sulforaphanes and
glucosinolates that enhance the liver’s ability to break down estrogens. I3C appears to work on sensitive tissues of
breast, colon, lung, rectum, and elsewhere giving a protective effect against cancer of these vital tissues (Bradlow,
1994, and Wong, 1997). Sulforaphane, fed in its natural state, showed 95% elimination of cancer induced in rats. When
given isolated sulforaphane, the protection dropped to 10%! Similar poor results were found for companion
antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin. A new study shows that (assuming that you didn’t keep it in the refrigerator for a
week incurring greater losses) up to 80% of the glucosinolates along with 60% of the flavonoids and other goodies are
lost from the time broccoli is picked to the time it lands on your plate This is why Phyt•Aloe® by Mannatech, Inc. is so
valuable. These 12, freeze–dried, cruciferous vegetables have a full measure of all their natural phytochemicals present
to provide full synergistic activity. The significance of this is shown in a study from China. Women with the most
cruciferous metabolites in their blood had half as much breast cancer! Other studies show that cancer cells stop
growing and begin to die when exposed to sulforaphanes and other isothiocyanates (which combine with NAC to
create glutathione)! Sulforaphane also reduced DNA damage by 80% in one test. Furthermore, tests show that I3C
protects against toxicity of chemotherapy drugs without interfering with the drug’s ability to kill cancer cells, in fact it
enhanced the effectiveness of Trabectidin by increasing tumor reduction from 54% to 71%! It enhances the
effectiveness of Mytomycin C against some cancers that lack an activating enzyme. Sulforaphane also overcomes H.
Pylori, a very difficult bug to kill.
We have just read Kane on the need of carbonates to acidify the system. Elevated citric (due to the glutathione
deficiency) with low 2-oxo-gluteric (in urine tests) would affect oxygen getting into the cells. You can compensate by
getting some carbon dioxide by using a rebreather mask, and by taking carbonates between meals to increase CO2 as
Kane has recommended. The carbon dioxide acidifies the blood, and helps the red blood cells release the oxygen to the
cells. Supporting the thyroid helps the cells make more carbon dioxide, so that is something else to do. Obtain a packet
of pH paper, and test the saliva and urine as indicated elsewhere in this paper. Dr. Cheney treats Chronic Fatigue
(CFIDS) patients.
Dr. Cheney’s Oxygen Treatment
By Carol Sieverling (slightly edited)
Dr. Cheney prescribes oxygen for patients with alkaline venous blood. An hour of oxygen in the
morning can provide half a day of significant improvement, and numerous benefits. He had seen
alkaline blood results for years, but dismissed it as insignificant, based on medical school teaching.
His growing suspicion that it was very significant was confirmed when a speaker at an international
conference in London began a presentation by announcing, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here to tell
you that CFS patients are alkalotic.” Blood alkalosis inhibits the transport of oxygen to tissues and
organs, constricts the blood vessels, and lowers overall circulating blood volume.
The putative cause of the alkalosis is the glutathione deficiency that is pervasive in
CFIDS (and autism). Low glutathione causes an elevation in citrate, which in turn lowers a
substance (2,3 DPG) that controls the release of oxygen from hemoglobin. Our blood can
be full of oxygen, but without enough of this substance, it cannot break free and get into the
cells. This causes oxygen deprivation in the tissues (hypoxia), which makes the body switch
over to anaerobic metabolism, which can be painful.
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This blood alkalosis is unusual in that Cheney usually sees venous blood pH values over 7.4
and urine pH values under 6.0. When both blood alkalosis and urine acidosis are seen, it’s a
metabolic problem not a psychogenic reaction to a needle stick. A blood pH above 7.4 shows
impairment. Above 7.5 there is significant impairment and almost no oxygen transport at all. A
urine organic acid test will also reveal this problem. Elevated citrate and/or low 2-oxo-glutaric
are markers. The really terrible thing is the vicious cycle. The blood alkalosis further lowers the
levels of 2,3 DPG (inhibiting the release of oxygen), causing tissue hypoxia, which then causes
blood alkalosis, which lowers 2,3 DPG even further—and around and around we go. (From
this, I must assume that Autistic children with alkaline pH must not use the citrate forms
of minerals! —WSL)
The ultimate treatment for this situation is Immunocal™ or IMUPlus™, the undenatured whey
protein supplements that help restore glutathione, but some patients cannot afford them, and they do
not work for all patients. An immediate solution to the oxygen transport problem is to use a partial
rebreather mask set at 35 to 40% FIO2 (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen), which requires a flow rate of
about 10 liters per minute. Do an hour a day, broken into one, two, or three sessions. You can do more
than one hour a day, but do not do more than one hour at a time. Do not breathe heavily – breathe
normally. Most CFS patients have headaches, and this can help those headaches. If a prescription is
written for headaches, insurance may cover it. One hour of oxygen a day can run $75 to $100 a
month.
Oxygen through nasal prongs will not work. Oxygen alone in a mask will not work. It has to be a
partial rebreather mask, which has a bag attached. This allows you to rebreathe your expired
carbon dioxide along with the oxygen that is flowing into the mask. It is important to the function
of the rebreather that the bag contract and expand with the breathing cycle. It’s not working
properly otherwise. Breathing increased levels of both carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2) at
the same time is essential. The CO2 breaks the cycle. It corrects the alkalosis and frees the O2 in
your blood to move into your cells. With proper functioning, vessels dilate and you start perfusing
your brain and tissues, bringing out the toxins and bringing in the nutrients. Raising oxygen levels
will also help kill off yeast and other pathogens. Lack of oxygen allows them to multiply.
The speaker at the London conference sends his patients to breathing experts like Teresa
Hale, who wrote “Breathing Free”. Most patients are walking around over breathing, and
thus becoming more alkaline. Learning to under breathe can help increase oxygen perfusion
and transport.
Two problems can be seen in some patients on a rebreather mask. (1) Rapidly correcting
blood alkalosis or overcorrecting (i.e., acidosis) can provoke vasodilation. If there is
significant blood volume contraction some patients will become hypotensive and feel dizzy
or faint. This problem can be prevented by taking oxygen lying down, and by expanding
blood volume with an isotonic electrolyte drink such as Gookinaid ERG (Electrolyte
Replacement with Glucose) (http://members.aol.com/Gookinaid) (1-800-283-6505). You can
also address this problem by reducing the time spent on the mask rebreather. (2) Patients
with a history of migraine may provoke a migraine in the moments just after going off the
rebreather. Again, expanding blood volume and reducing the time of the rebreather can help
this side effect.
The ultimate treatment mentioned (whey) has little or no casein, but it can be dangerous to some with
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sulfation problems (PST), so several other ways to build glutathione are suggested herein. Use them rather
than the expensive, time consuming breather mask or expensive, long term, hyperbaric oxygen. These both
have value in short term, but do not “cure” the basic problem of alkalosis. To learn more about balancing the
pH, see the Chapter “Digestion and Utilization” in my Electronic book, “Self-help to Good Health”, 34
Chapters, 535 pages, $24.95 US.
More than 25 years ago, IAHP was the first to recognize that among the various adverse environmental conditions
which affect the brain-injured child, the most important is chronically insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. In their
experience, this is almost universally present to some degree in brain-injured children, although not ordinarily in
obvious form. The shallow and erratic breathing patterns and small chests seen in the majority of our brain-injured
children are primary indications that such subclinical, oxygen deficiency exists.
Associated with oxygen insufficiency in various combinations are other adverse environmental factors
contributing to seizures as well as other problems of the brain-injured child. Among these factors are: 1) blood
sugar levels too low or unresponsive to the brain’s changing needs 2) nutritional imbalances or deficiencies,
very common among children, most of whose diets are extremely poor both quantitatively and qualitatively,
and 3) increases in pressure within the skull due to intake of liquids and water-retaining substances, such as
salt, in amounts beyond the child’s needs or capabilities for handling. Additionally, magnesium, vitamin B6,
and dimethylglycine (DMG) all have strong anti-seizure properties, and can be effective even when other antiseizure medications fail. The deficiency of vitamin B1 has also been reported as a cause of epileptic seizures.
Magnesium is an essential cofactor in the conversion of thiamine into active diphosphate and triphosphate
esters. There have been reports of thiamine deficiency aggravated by magnesium depletion with
refractory response to thiamine until magnesium was given. It seems plausible that magnesium depletion
could provoke Wernicke’s encephalopathy, possible by suboptimum thiamine phosphorylation. Pyridoxine
(B6), too, is only phosphorylated into its coenzyme (P5P) in the presence of magnesium. Some 70% of the
enzymes are dependent on magnesium.
In a placebo-controlled study on prisoners with a history of impulsive/aggressive behavior, the group taking low
amounts of lithium (10-15 mg twice a day) had a significant reduction in aggressive behavior and infractions
involving violence. It also helps to raise white-blood-cell count and to protect against loss of white cells in
chemotherapy and radiation. Lithium also tends to normalize thyroid function, particularly in Grave’s Disease.
Researchers at Wayne State University (Detroit) found that high-dose lithium has the ability to both protect and
renew brain cells (3% increase in gray matter in four weeks)! In Ischemic stroke (loss of blood flow), death of
brain cells was reduced by 56%! Further, anticonvulsant medications cause abnormal levels of brain-cell death, but
lithium significantly protects against this type of cell death.
During the first week of magnesium deficiency, Substance P and CGRP are increased. The second week,
histamine is increased, along with PgE2 (inflammatory), and TBAR molecules. The third week, cytokines IL-1,
IL-6, TNF alpha are increased (Weglicki & Mak, 1994). The cytokines, IFN gamma, IL-2, 4, 5, 10, 12, and 13 are
also increased in magnesium deficiency (Weglicki, 1996). I believe that these, except IL-10, are all inflammatory!
Clinical symptomology of magnesium deficiency is dominated by neuromuscular hyperexcitability (Rayssiguier,
1990; Durlach, 1997) exhibiting latent tetany (Durlach, 1997) and spasmophilia (muscle cramps and spasms)
(Galland, 1991). Hyperarousal (Galland, 1991), with sensitivity to noise, bodily contact, and excitement (Langley,
1991; Goto, 1993) in the precipitation of neuromuscular hyperexcitability has been described in magnesium
deficiency. Choreiform and athetoid movements can be produced by magnesium deficiency (Holvey,1972). Some
tics may be forms of atypical latent tetany (Ploceniak, 1990). A chronic tissue magnesium deficit is found in HLA
B35 individuals (a genetic type - Zeana, 1988; Henrotte, 1990; Durlach, 1997). A few clinical disorders that can
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be associated with magnesium deficiency are: migraine (Thomas, 1994), bruxism (Lehvila, 1974; Ploceniak,
1990), restless leg syndrome (Popoviciu, 1993; Hornyak, 1998), asthma (Fantidis, 1995), seizures (Galland, 1991;
Goto, 1993), hearing loss, TIA (mini stroke - Galland, 1991), heart arrhythmia (Burtis, 1994), and mitral valve
prolapse (MVP) associated with HLA B35 (Rybar, 1989). Vitamin A deficiency increases sensitivity of the inner
ear to noise as well as susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.
When there is current exposure, mercury binds to Hemoglobin in the red blood cell and will reduce the amount of
oxygen that can be carried in the blood—a major cause of fatigue. Mercury at a level of 1 part per ten million will
actively destroy the membrane of red blood cells. Hyperbaric oxygen has been used with great results, but at great
expense in time and money, and may be contraindicated due to oxidative damage, especially where mercury
toxicity is present. No oral antioxidant protects against the Superoxide radical until now. Tests show that a new form
of SOD prevents the DNA damage that could not be offset by vitamin E or n-acetylcysteine. See Sodzyme™ by
Life Extension Foundation.
A simple way to increase oxygen in the cells is through addition of 2 drops of tasteless Cell Food™ (Eden’s Secret,
888-755-7715, 1 oz, $21.95) to water being drunk. Another that builds oxygen in the blood is OxyCharge™ (800800-9119, 2-oz spray bottle, $29.95 plus shipping), a tasteless spray into the mouth. Each bottle will last about a
month. I have seen these work in my grown son who was greatly anemic from multiple transfusions, and gasping
for oxygen! It gave almost instant relief of breathlessness, even though deficient of red blood cells! The Cell
Food™ supplies 78 trace, colloidal, ionic minerals, 34 enzymes, and 17 amino acids. Cell Food™ is used by many
naturopaths and natural healers. Remember, more oxygen means more superoxide free radicals producing more
hydrogen peroxide free radicals that do great harm, especially to the lungs, if not neutralized with SODzyme™!
You must supplement with antioxidants when doing oxygen. The best antioxidant formulas available are
Mannatech’s Ambrotose AO™ and SODzyme™.
Live Blood Analysis is a method of prescreening the blood that can be most revealing of a condition usually ignored.
That is, the clumping of the blood. Blood clumps or sludges for several reasons. Platelets can become sticky. Red cells
can fail to repel one another, especially following a high fat meal that lacks sufficient lipotrophic factors (chiefly
lecithin, and vitamins B-complex, E, and C). It will show undigested carbohydrate particles circulating in the blood
(signaling a need for digestive enzymes). It has been shown that when these clumped platelets, red cells, or undigested
carbohydrate particles reach the small capillaries, they create a slowing or stoppage of blood flow robbing the cells in
that area of necessary nutrients and waste removal. Additionally, a deficiency of glutathione tends to cause red cells to
deform or burst, white cells decline in functional activity, and an alkaline condition of the blood ensues that constricts
the blood vessels and reduces blood flow and oxygen transport still further. All this is evident by looking at one drop of
blood under the electron microscope! Further, mercury binds to oxygen-carrying sites on hemoglobin reducing
oxygenation of cells. All these causes of reduced oxygenation of cells lead to undesirable symptoms, many classed as
autistic. Very low mercury concentrations block intestinal vitamin B6. Bind mercury by supplementing 50 mcg of
selenium at each meal and 1 -3 mg of melatonin at night.
Garlic, vitamins E and C, bromelain, the flavonoids (with rutin), and omega-3 fatty acids all “thin” the blood. Use
these in preference to aspirin. Under high stress, it is reported that aspirin fails to affect the platelets. Recent studies
by Dr. John Folts, Ph.D., who first touted aspirin, shows these nutrients reduced activity of platelets about 52%,
the same as aspirin, without the side effects or failure of aspirin. If taking coumarin or other prescription for
thinning the blood, consult with your doctor before adding these supplements. He can help wean you off the drug
that has considerable side effects. Ginkgo Biloba effectively increases circulation and nutrient supply to the brain
that is desperately needed by these children, however, because it enhances Phase I liver enzymes, it should be used
for only a few weeks unless you are certain that Phase I needs to be enhanced. It should not be used at all by one
with a lack of fatty acids or with the PST problem. St. John’s Wort enhances Phase I by 100%, and reduces
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effectiveness of blood thinners and “The Pill” as much as 40%. See my Electronic Book, “Self-help to Good
Health”, Chapter titled “Sludged Blood” for additional details of how to improve circulation and oxygenation.
While a large number suffer Thrombophilia (sludging of the blood), not a few suffer nosebleed. This is
caused by a number of things:
1. Copper deficiency causes blood vessel fragility and can lead to aneurysms and stroke. This is a
very serious condition that should not be overlooked. Closely related would be a zinc deficiency.
2. Vitamin K deficiency that prevents proper blood clotting. This has many ramifications
spelled out in my post to www.yahoogroups.com/group/Williss dated 7/22/02. Join my group,
and look in the FILES section.
3.
Calcium deficiency as a result of vitamin C deficiency. Actually, this is a symptom of Scurvy.
4. Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is likely with those on a vegan/vegetarian diet. A lack of
vitamin B12 weakens blood vessels and causes easy bruising and possible nosebleed.
5. Low phosphorus levels, leading to mishandling of iron, possibly a result of mercury poisoning.
6. Formaldehyde poisoning.
7. Side effects of Cipro and possibly other drugs that mess with the above nutrients.
As stated above, several things “thin” the blood. They are not the cause of bleeding, but could make it
harder to stop the bleed. You might want to reduce vitamin E to 200 IU for the same reason. When you
solve the cause, then you could consider increasing these again.
Transfer Factor
As previously indicated, bovine colostrum is very effective is helping the immune system destroy bacterial, viral,
and fungal infections (including Candida) in that it supplies large amounts of IgA and lactoferrin, and boosts the
natural killer cell function and glutathione production, too, when sufficient substrates (the amino acids cysteine,
glycine, and glutamine) are available. It has been used effectively in reducing inflammation in autoimmune
conditions. It also increases Growth Hormone (hGH) that benefits the transport of amino acids into cells, and
elevates the uptake of blood glucose, and causes greater utilization of fat for energy. It (hGH) also tends to
increase muscle mass. Increased production of growth hormone greatly increases the need for EFAs.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have been able to demonstrate, for the first time,
that children who face a greater risk for the illness, through family history of major depression, produce
significantly less growth hormone than their normal peers when given growth hormone releasing hormone. This
builds on their research from 1994 that discovered children and adolescents with acute episodes of major
depression secrete less growth hormone during and after their illness.
There is a product called “Transfer Factor™” (TF) derived from colostrum in which the factors in colostrum that
boost the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy antigens (foreign substances or bugs it has never been
exposed to) are concentrated to about 100 to 1. This “messenger molecule” is not destroyed in the stomach as a
protein antibody would be. Thus, the immunity of the cow, which contains many of the antibodies of the human, is
transferred to the human. It is also said to be an immune modulator, boosting Natural Killer Cell function and
activity significantly while either boosting or suppressing T-cell activity as needed. You purchase it from 4Life™ at:
www.supercolostrum.com/colostrum/Information/information2.htm. There is a general “Transfer Factor”, and there
are specific “Transfer Factor” products, (e.g., one where the source was infected with a specific virus should enable
the body to overcome a chronic infection by that virus). There is a version of “Transfer Factor” from Chisolm
Biological Laboratory that uses eggs as the source. Dr. Fudenberg’s group did considerable work with this, I
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understand. While the 4Life™ “Transfer Factor” gives the wide exposure of the cow to the human, the Chisolm
ImmunFactor™ gives the free-range exposure of the chicken, plus the chicken is then exposed to specific human
antigens to produce eight combinations of “Antigen Specific Transfer Factors”. Thus, several select antigens such as
various viruses and Candida can be specifically targeted (www.chisolmbio.com or 800-664-1333). The need and
benefit of such products is easy to understand when one recognizes most of these children are suffering with one or
more low grade, chronic infections, and their immune system either does not recognize it, or does not have the
antibodies sufficient to destroy it. Dr. Hugh H. Fudenberg has done the definitive work with TF in autism. An
abstract of a study with autistic youngsters follows:
Fudenberg, H. H. Dialysable lymphocyte extract (DLyE) in infantile onset autism: a pilot study. Biotherapy
1996;9(1-3):143-7. Immuno Therapeutics Research Foundation, Spartanburg, S.C., USA. Abstract: 40
autistic patients were studied. They ranged from 6 years to 15 years of age at entry. Twenty-two were cases
of classical, infantile autism; whereas 18 lacked one or more clinical defects associated with infantile
autism—dubbed “pseudo-autism”. Of the 22 with classic autism, 21 responded to transfer factor (TF)
treatment by gaining at least 2 points in symptom severity score average (SSSA); and 10 became normal in
that they were mainstreamed in school, and clinical characteristics were fully normalized. Of the 18
remaining, 4 responded to TF, some to other therapies. After cessation of TF therapy, 5 in the autistic group
and 3 of the pseudo-autistic group regressed, but they did not drop as low as baseline levels. PMID:
8993773, UI: 97146917.
I understand that the product should be used for three or more months, and then to prevent regression, it
should be pulsed (used for a few days) every three months.
Negative Effects of Secretin
Let’s stop and think what Secretin does to lipid (fat) metabolism. Autistic kids are universally deficient in
the fatty acids. Secretin is a pro-oxidant hormone. The metabolic impact of Secretin is that it stimulates the
arachidonic acid cascade (contraindicated in seizure disorders) and bicarbonate production, oxidizes or
burns off (beta oxidizes) fatty acids (including both essential fats, insulating fatty acids, and very long-chain,
fatty acids), increases the metabolism of bile acids, and, theoretically, may stimulate Cholecystokinin-B
(CCK-B) that plays a neuromodulatory role in the regulation of GABAergic neuronal activity perhaps
(theoretically) stimulating speech. When a child receives Secretin repeatedly without replenishing the
lipids (fatty acids) and catalysts (vitamins and minerals), the impact could ultimately be quite
negative.
On the other hand, children with autistic spectrum disorder tend to have a buildup of very-long-chain, fatty
acids (VLCFA) indicative of suppressed, peroxisomal, beta-oxidation. Support for the thyroid, and
supplementation of manganese, selenium, carnitine, and vitamin B2 stimulate beta-oxidation of fatty acids, but
high carbohydrate meals stimulate insulin response and inhibit beta-oxidation. Characteristically, plasmalogen
synthesis (any of various glycerophospholipids in which a fatty acid group is replaced by a fatty aldehyde
group) and beta-oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids are affected. It’s been found that patients with
generalized, peroxisomal disorders have a profound brain deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3)
and low DHA concentrations in all tissues and in the blood (is it any wonder since DHA has only been allowed
in baby formula very recently). Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [22:6 (n-3)] ethyl ester
(EE) (DHA-EE) normalized blood DHA values within a few weeks. Plasmalogen concentrations increased in
erythrocytes in most patients and after DHA concentrations were normalized, amounts of VLCFAs decreased
in plasma. Liver enzymes returned almost to normal in most cases. From a clinical viewpoint, most patients
showed improvement in vision, liver function, muscle tone, and social contact. In three patients, normalization
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of brain myelin was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. In three others, myelination improved. In a
seventh patient, myelination is progressing at a normal rate. Balancing these fatty acids can control brain
performance! While characteristic alterations are varied, they classically involve elevations of AA/EPA/DHA
and suppression of GLA/DGLA in autism; suppression of AA/DHA in Schizophrenia and bipolar; suppression
of GLA/AA/EPA/DHA, and adrenic acid in ADHD; variable EFA instability (high or low AA/DHA) in
depression; low Omega 6 (including AA) and elevated Omega 3 in Chronic fatigue syndrome. Curiously, DHA
is a VLCFA.
The use of Secretin stimulates the burning off of these aberrant, excess lipids (VLCFAs) that irritate the brain (and
many other systems of the body); thus, in that degree, Secretin is of immediate benefit. The administration of Secretin,
DHEA, pregnenolone, or thyroid hormone stimulates the beta-oxidation (burning within the mitochondria for energy)
of VLCFAs, as would nutrients (riboflavin, pyruvate, manganese) and oxidative therapies that stimulate oxidation,
prostaglandin synthesis, and detoxification. Excess VLCFAs indicate a deficiency of cytochrome p450 (Phase I) liver
enzymes, and pregnenolone increases Phase I activity by conserving existing Phase I enzymes. Milk thistle, Turmeric
(curcurmin), ginger, Royal Jelly, Sheep Sorrel, and Pau D’ Arco enhance Phase I activity. Stimulating beta-oxidation,
however, concurrently stimulates the burning off of all essential fatty acids (EFAs), as I said. These must be
supplemented.
Children with ASD most often present with alkalosis, low CO2/Bicarbonate, and low oxygen. The spacy, dreamy,
lack of clarity state you observe in most autistic children is often associated with a low bicarbonate and disturbed
electrolyte status. Insufficient oxygen in the brain can lead to a spacy, confused, non-alert quality also. Infusions of
Secretin will correct the alkalosis that most children with ASD present, ultimately impacting their
hyperammonemic states that may be stabilized with the increased bicarbonate production (bicarbonate released
from the pancreas plus ammonia yields urea that can be excreted). Sulfur containing amino acids become
ammonia and remain ammonia without adequate folic acid, B12, zinc, and molybdenum. Excess ammonia in the
blood is associated with excess lysine. Elevated, systemic levels of ammonia are toxic, and possible symptoms
include: protein intolerance, headaches (migraine), fatigue, irritability, diarrhea, and nausea. These may be
episodic symptoms associated with high-protein meals. Chronically elevated ammonia in the CNS can result
in decreased cognitive function, confusion, slurred speech, and blurred vision. When the bloodstream is
extremely acid, the kidneys use a different method and excrete ammonium ions, which contain four
hydrogens, into the urine. In this instance, it may be a mistake to reduce urine ammonia levels before
correcting the body pH.
“Peroxisomes are organelles within cells that are pivotal in the biotransformation of endogenous compounds in
lipid metabolism such as fatty acids, steroids, prostaglandins, the formation of myelin, neurotransmission, and
detoxification of exogenous compounds and xenobiotics (phenols and other compounds discussed under the
section PST). VLCFAs are fatty acids with 22 or more carbons. Normally, these are oxidized down to C20 or
less by p450 oxidase enzymes in the peroxisome organelles in the liver. These C20s are then shuttled by
carnitine into the mitochondria for further metabolism. However, mitochondria cannot metabolize
VLCFAs, so, they then accumulate in the nerve cells where they have toxic effects. This is almost universally
true in autistic children, but is also seen in Alzheimer’s patients, chronic fatigue, Zellweger’s, and
cardiovascular disease. The accumulation of VLCFAs [Docosahexaenoic (DHA), Docosapentaenoic w3,
Behenic, Lignoceric, and Nervonic] inside the cell membrane represents defects in peroxisomal, betaoxidation, rather than a mitochondrial disturbance. This accumulation may be used to profile the deleterious
effects upon the brain, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, as well as the cytochrome P450 liver
enzyme derangement involving nitric oxide synthase (NOS) characteristic in autistic spectrum disorder due to
autoimmune presentation. Therefore, the toxic aspect so often described in autism may be defined clearly
through examination of Red Blood Cell lipids with elevation of VLCFAs being a reflection of blocked
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detoxification mechanisms”—Patricia Kane. This would indicate an inhibited Phase I pathway, probably
hypothyroidism, and a lack of vitamin B2 and manganese.
Additionally, a recent study shows another disturbing aspect of this fatty acid imbalance on cell walls:
Abstract: Red blood cell fatty acid compositions in a patient with autistic spectrum disorder: a characteristic
abnormality in neurodevelopmental disorders? J. G. Bell, J. R. Sargent, D. R.Tocher, J. R. Dick Nutrition
Group, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling UK
“Summary: The fatty acid compositions of red blood cell (RBC) phospholipids from a patient with autistic spectrum
disorder had reduced percentages of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) compared to control samples. The
percentage of HUFA in the RBC from the autistic patient was dramatically reduced (up to 70%) when the sample was
stored for 6 weeks at (-) 20 degrees C. However, only minor HUFA reductions were recorded in control samples stored
similarly, or when the autistic sample was stored at (-) 80 degrees C. A similar instability in RBC HUFA compositions
upon storage at (-) 20 degrees C has been recorded in schizophrenic patients. In a number of other neurodevelopmental
conditions, including ADHD and dyslexia, reduced concentrations of RBC HUFA have been recorded.
“Evidence suggests that the HUFA instability observed in a patient with ASD, and found in other
neurodevelopmental disorders, may be caused by increased phospholipase activity, perhaps in conjunction
with increased auto-oxidative stress. The evidence available suggests that autistic spectrum disorder
involves an aberration in lipid metabolism that results in alterations in cell membrane phospholipid structure
and function, and that these alterations are similar in a number of other neurodevelopmental disorders. The
tryptophan metabolite, indole acroyl glycine (IAG), has been found in the urine of the majority of patients
with ASD, and has also been identified in numerous other neurodevelopmental disorders. The precursor of
IAG, indole acrylic acid, when added to cells in culture affects the cellular PUFA compositions and the
production of PgE.”
Autism is said to often involve a demyelination of the myelin sheath of nerves, disrupting nerve
transmission. Brain autoantibodies to both myelin basic protein (MBP) and neuron-axon filament protein
have been found in autistic children who have about 8.3 times greater incidence of antibodies to MBP than
control children. The perineuronal nets around neurons, which modulate their function, are primarily
composed of chondroitin sulfate. Low sulfur would thus yield less modulation of neurons. Hepatitis B
vaccine was found to inhibit sulfation chemistry for at least one week in typical people. When TNF (tumor
necrosis factor) is elevated (frequently in autism), through interference with dioxygenase and sulfite oxidase,
it can inhibit the conversion of cysteine to sulfate. This could be a contributing factor in PST. This can lead
to decreased blood flow into the brain, a loss of Purkinje cells (often found on autopsy), alterations in
neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, and possibly demyelination as found in multiple sclerosis (MS). TNF
also competes with insulin at cell receptors, contributing to Insulin Resistance.
Mercury and other heavy metals (such as lead) can cause progressive myelin degeneration with the
development of antibodies to myelin basic protein (MBA) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Recent
discovery of herpes virus-6 in the damaged areas of the brains of 73% of Multiple Sclerosis sufferers is indeed
disturbing. The nervous system, once the insulation is stripped, can be likened to your home with bare wires
inside the walls—a dangerous situation. In the body, symptoms may be many and varied:
1) tremors, shaking, “palsy” due to malfunction of nerve transmissions
2) uncoordination in walking, writing, and other automatic physical movements
3) slurred speech
4) excessive salivation
5) deterioration of memory and thinking processes
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6) blurred vision
7) difficulty urinating, incontinence
8) environmental sensitivity, allergic to smells, food, clothing, electrical equipment
9) breathing problems, short of breath
10) nervousness or nervous breakdown
11) numbness and tingling in extremities
12) heart problems/arrhythmias.
Some have found Sphingolin™ most helpful (Ecological Formulas 800-888-4585). Vitamin B12 is often
lacking, and it is essential to sheath formation. Additionally, nervonic acid, EFAs, and very-long-chainedfatty alcohols have clinically been shown to yield positive outcomes. These benefit the myelin sheath,
increasing perception and response. Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, however, reports that children who took oral,
myelin-basic protein (Sphingolin™) seemed worse when they were infused with Secretin. The Secretin
burned off the fats (needed to make myelin and prostaglandins, both the insulating fats and the very-longchain fats). It is a big “no no” to stimulate with peptides (Secretin) or with Sphingolin™ without fats!
(Patricia Kane) If you choose to infuse, you must supplement generously with Evening Primrose oil (EPO);
and always with fatty acids, you must supplement with the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E with
selenium, preferably before beginning the EPO. A failure to do so may promote seizures, neurological
disorders, and increased cancer risk due to increased free-radical activity. Additionally, Dr. Woody
McGinnis, MD, USA, has reported investigating two seizures that occurred during or immediately following
Secretin infusion. One was near fatal. Make sure the one infusing is ready for any emergency. It is probably
inadvisable to infuse one who is subject to seizures. Dr. McGinnis tells of a doctor whose son started having
seizures (not immediately, but delayed) after Secretin. She found the urinary pH really alkalotic, gave him
generous unbuffered vitamin C, and says the seizures abated. Perhaps, before infusion, one should check for
an overly alkaline urine, and do so again after the infusion to anticipate and forestall any possible seizures.
In the case of inadequate HCl production, infusion or transdermal supply of Secretin may indeed help, but it
does not fully address the most basic need—that of necessary digestion and utilization of food. The proper
course for many seems not to be Secretin infusion, but a supplementing of hydrochloric acid to the degree
necessary to trigger release of the Secretin so vital to proper digestion and hormonal response. In at least a
minority of these children, the gut will be able to release adequate Secretin. The supply of adequate acidity
to the chyme would then “Kick Start” Secretin production. One mother reports, “Since I followed your
suggestion, and supplemented HCl, my son has the same responses he had to his Secretin infusion!”
Hydrochloric Acid May be a Solution
In view of the above, I think it better to address the need for HCl first. Low HCl production is associated with
many problems. Iron deficiency anemia, owing to poor iron absorption or to lead or cadmium poisoning, and
osteoporosis, resulting in part from decreased calcium absorption, are two important problems. Lead depresses
potassium, zinc, iron, and copper levels in the body, and causes excretion of calcium. The Cincinnati Health
Department screened 3,337 children for lead poisoning in 2001. Of those, 3,139 had blood-lead levels lower than
10 micrograms/deciliter, the maximum amount the government considers safe; 161 had levels of 10-19; and 37
had levels over 20. A study by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey showed that nearly 60
percent of four-to eight-year-olds consume too little calcium. When exposed to lead in the environment,
these children “may be faced with anemia, reduced IQ and learning difficulties as well as aggressive,
violent, and anti-social behavior,” reports the study’s co-author, Dr. John Bogden. Tests have shown the
highest lead levels correlate with the lowest calcium levels. Calcium binds lead and prevents its absorption.
Similarly, selenium, zinc, and melatonin binds mercury, cadmium, and arsenic and prevents their absorption. I
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suggest selenium be consumed with all fish to prevent mercury absorption. These four nutrients must be
supplemented adequately to reduce heavy metals poisoning, however, as noted, the minerals require HCl for
absorption and utilization.
When deficient of minerals, the body will, in desperation, take up look-alikes from similar or same
chemical families with similar outer orbitals. Without the real thing the final enzyme or hormone will
not work correctly, creating more body dysfunction.
Other toxic mineral elements that substitute or interfere with essentials and cause great bodily harm are: LEAD
- which substitutes for calcium and interferes with magnesium and zinc; CADMIUM - 10 times more toxic
than lead and found in cigarette smoke and welding, substitutes for zinc; and MERCURY - substitutes for
selenium. Selenium is essential for an enzyme necessary for thyroid hormone production, as an antioxidant to
help prevent cancer and aging, to prevent viral mutations to more aggressive forms, and to devitalize toxic
substances. For every essential mineral, there is at least one toxic substitute. When the body gets enough of
the real thing, it will release the toxic substances.
Notes from a lecture by Dr. Garry Gordon, MD: “You understand that if I gave you 1,000 mcg of
selenium a day, that would be toxic, that’s a really big dose. But what if it didn’t increase your plasma
or serum levels for one-week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks? I’ve done this with some cancer
patients giving 4,000 mcg of selenium and it didn’t go up, sometimes for six weeks! When it finally
goes up, they can get symptoms, the nausea, the metallic taste, some Paresthesia, numbness, but during
that time what was I doing? I was tying up every atom of mercury. We estimate there are about 40
million atoms of mercury in the average cell in your body. I was tying up every one of them into a
lifelong marriage so that the mercury was not able to depress glutathione synthesis, and I was therefore
able to see results in treating my cancer patient who couldn’t afford to take it all out.
“By giving selenium, you can virtually prevent mercury toxicity, so I don’t have to treat a patient who’s
got a mouthful of mercury, and force them to spend $20,000 they don’t have. If I mainly am focusing on
saving their life, I will do it with selenium.”
Additionally, sweet potatoes contain something called “phytochelatins” that help bind harmful
substances like copper, cadmium, mercury, and lead that most of us are exposed to on a regular basis
from air pollution. The phytochelatins help pass these toxins out of the body. Heavy-metal overloads
can effectively be treated using oral supplements of Ambrotose AO™ and PLUS by Mannatech, Inc.,
zinc, manganese, selenium, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), serine, iodine, melatonin, cilantro, transdermal or
oral glutathione, and vitamins B6, C, and E, and sweet potatoes. The initial treatment must be gradual to
avoid a sudden dumping of metal toxins from tissues, which could cause kidney damage and a
worsening of symptoms. Incidentally, cilantro tones up digestion.
General allergies and, specifically, food allergies are correlated with low HCl. Poor food breakdown and the “leaky
gut” syndrome are associated with food allergies. More than half the people with gallstones show decreased HCl
secretion compared with gallstone-free patients. Diabetics have lower HCl output, as do people with eczema,
psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, Vitiligo, and tooth and periodontal disease. With low stomach acid levels, there can
be an increase in bacteria, yeasts, and parasites growing in the intestines, and an increase in allergies. Ironically, food
allergies (particularly to milk and dairy) are one of the many causes of low stomach acid. For some, it is a vicious
cycle of allergy lowering HCl, causing more allergies with resultant lower stomach acid. Zinc is critical to
production of HCl, and thus its deficiency can be causal to all the above conditions.
You may obtain Betaine Hydrochloride or Glutamic Hydrochloride, 10-grain capsules from the health food
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store. If allergic to beets, choose Glutamic Hydrochloride. If sensitive to sulfites [MSG—Chinese restaurant
syndrome, or diagnosed as suffering from phenol-sulfotransferase deficiency (PST)], choose Betaine
Hydrochloride. Glutamic acid hydrochloride is only mildly acidic, and does not work as well as betaine
hydrochloride. Betaine may be used alone, in supplements, but preferably with pepsin and other digestive
agents. A child should get good results with one to five, 10-grain capsules, adults with five to ten (a
predominantly pasta meal would need less than a high protein one). Start with one, and increase gradually. For
children who will not swallow a capsule, it may be mixed with the food, or mixed in a small amount of drink
that will be consumed completely. Woodlands Healing Research Center reports an older autistic boy showed
marked improvement in digestive function, and a dramatic reduction in agitation when the mother began
mixing betaine hydrochloride with pepsin into meat, poultry, or other protein foods before meals.
Low stomach acid can be corrected by eating a balanced diet of wholesome foods, and by reducing our daily
levels of stress. Niacin stimulates HCl production. This can be taken before meals, as can potassium chloride
and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6) to help stimulate the body’s own HCl output.
Zinc is essential to HCl production. Drinking the juice of half a lemon squeezed in water or a teaspoon of
apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water 30 minutes before meals helps, and supplements taken during
or after meals should be swallowed using the lemon or vinegar treated water. This may well eliminate
stomach pain among other benefits. Use of Swedish Bitters or gentian has been helpful in improving
digestion.
We are talking acid here. One 10-grain tablet of HCl in 1-1/2 ounces of water will have a pH of about three. This
is not nearly as strong as what you may have experienced when you burped, and the acid really burned your
throat; but, when HCl is mixed with food, it must be swallowed right down without chewing. Do not leave this
food in the mouth. It could damage the enamel on the teeth. Additional food should be eaten immediately to clear
the throat. If mixed with a drink, drink it with a straw to protect the teeth. Rinse the mouth, and swallow to clear
the throat. Try it yourself, Mama. You may be surprised to learn that a Coke™ is even more acid (2.8 pH)! As with
all such matters pertaining to your child’s health, consult with your medical professional.
If the hydrochloric acid is sufficiently strong, and the gut is able to release Secretin, and the pancreas is functioning, the
use of an enteric-coated, alkaline tablet will not be needed to neutralize the acid in the intestine. The pancreas will
normally release enough bicarbonate based on the strength of the Secretin signal. The amount of Secretin released is
dependent on the amount of hydrochloric acid in the chyme entering the gut.
Where HCl is adequate, but Secretin is not being adequately produced, or the pancreas is not functioning well, the
proteolytic enzymes may not be released; or, because of a lack of bicarbonate of soda, they will be destroyed by the
acidity of the chyme. This can result in incomplete breakdown of proteins. These “foreign” protein molecules may be
absorbed into the bloodstream, and circulated throughout the body. These “peptides” can cause all types of allergic
(autoimmune responses) or toxic reactions, in particular those relating to breathing and skin irritation. Taking an
alkalizing substance (an enteric coated pill) in that case, will neutralize the stomach acid in the gut, prevent the
destruction of the proteolytic enzymes if any are available, and maintain an environment for the flora of the gut. If a
tablet is not available, taking 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a glass of water after the stomach begins emptying
(about 2-1/2 hours after eating) can be just as effective. Without sodium being present glucose cannot be absorbed.
Picture a revolving door in the wall of the gut with two segments. Without these two substances filling the segments,
the door won’t turn. Mercury causes excessive sodium excretion, as shown in studies of dental amalgam placed in
monkeys and sheep (Lorscheider et al, 1995). This glass of soda will lift your spirits and sustain you in times of stress.
Do not take any water, tea, or other nonfood drink with a meal or within two hours as that will dilute the
HCl and hinder digestion. If you must drink water to take pills, put a tablespoon or more of lemon juice or
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apple cider vinegar in the water to help preserve stomach acidity. A convenient way to overcome gastric
reflux that affects so many is to take the HCl with meals, or to drink a glass of warm water with one
teaspoon of raw, unfiltered, apple-cider vinegar when you experience it. You may sweeten it with some
honey if you must.
As to the amount of acid in the capsules, you will not begin to administer as much as a normal stomach
produces for an average adult meal (estimated to be equivalent to 30 capsules). It is the quantity as well as the
degree of acidity that is important. Normal pH must be below three (preferably two) to convert pepsinogen into
pepsin (needed to digest protein). It is often as low as one (the strongest acid).
If there is burning or pain, or if the digestive distress experienced previously (bloating, belching, heartburn,
reflux) becomes worse, discontinue the use of the hydrochloric acid. Sensitivity of the stomach to acid
(especially a burning pain just below the sternum) may indicate an ulcer. However, it likely indicates the
person is dehydrated, or using aspirin or NSAID for pain. Everyone should drink a large glass of water 30
minutes before eating. That will rehydrate the mucus lining of the stomach, and protect the stomach from the
acid. If there seems to be adverse reactions other than pain or burning, an allergy to Betaine (beets)
Hydrochloride may be the cause. Try Glutamic Hydrochloride instead.
The zinc-dependent enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, controls HCl production. Toxins of bacterial overgrowth,
gluten-casein peptides, metabolic acidosis, and lack of zinc all depress this enzyme. An inflamed, irritated gut
present in autism will not absorb zinc well. You must supplement zinc, balance your zinc-copper ratio, and restore
the proper body pH to restore HCl production. This pH can be improved by supplementing ionic calcium—that
autistics are universally lacking. When there is adequate calcium, the saliva will be near pH 7.0 between meals,
anything less than pH 6.5 is cause for concern.
There are some simple tests that may help determine if you or your child lack HCl. There is a hydrochloric acid
reflex present on the bottom of the lowest rib (right side) approximately one inch lateral to the midline. If this area
on the rib is tender to palpation there is a strong likelihood the person is deficient in hydrochloric acid, and would
benefit from supplementation (a tenderness on the left rib indicates a lack of digestive enzymes.)
Additionally:
1. Drink four ounces of beet juice on an empty stomach. If this turns the next urine red, suspect low
HCl for there isn’t enough acid to break down the red pigment—but, you could be iron deficient.
2. Check the pH of the urine—drink four ounces of grapefruit juice, or a lemon–orange juice
mixture, on an empty stomach. Test the pH of the urine one hour later. If it is significantly more
acid (lower pH number), suspect low HCl. The citric acid should have been broken down.
3. If you have heartburn or a too–acid feeling, swallow a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. If it
makes the symptoms worse—you have more than enough hydrochloric acid. If the symptoms
are relieved, you need HCl.
4. If it appears that you may need additional HCl, obtain a bottle of 10-grain HCl (with pepsin) in
capsule form from the health food store; “Adults...take five...of such a product with a meal. If you do
not suffer the usual burps and belches, you have proven in one hour that you have need for digestive
support. If five...solve your problem, then try four the next meal, then three...you will finally have a
recurrence of the old symptoms. Slowly increase the dosage each meal to find the dosage needed to
prevent symptoms. Continue that dosage indefinitely.”—Indigestion by Doctor Kurt W. Donsbach.
You may need more than five, usually ten is enough for an adult; however, if your symptoms worsen, you are
overproducing HCl. To aid in restoring vibrant health, strength, and normal weight, utilize that number of
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capsules of HCl with each meal. Be sure to take the HCl after the meal, so as to allow starch digestion to
proceed for the first 45 minutes, and so as not to discourage the stomach from supplying all the HCl that it can.
The Betaine can be discontinued once the reflex point is non-tender to deep palpation, or the other tests show
no further need. Additionally, since amino acids must be digested from the diet, low levels of at least three of
the essential eight on a fasting, plasma, amino-acid test would likely indicate a lack of HCl.; however, a gluten
intolerance could be impairing protein assimilation. A deficiency of pancreas function could also be involved.
Biochemical Observations
Common features in those with autism include: raised blood or serum lactate, regional disturbances in glucose
uptake in the brain, particularly in the cortex, and reduced brain levels of high-energy phosphate compounds. This
is another curiosity of autism. Actually, children’s diets are overloaded with phosphate, and that is one reason for
hyperactivity. Children are at increased risk to other conditions that result from excessive phosphate intake. These
include: infant colic, sleep disturbances, eczema, allergies, and asthma. Avoidance of phosphates in sodas,
processed meats, and baked goods has often been found to be effective against these conditions.
These observations would suggest a mitochondrial energy disorder in the brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction
may result from any of the following four imbalances:
1. Impairment of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation due to carnitine deficiency. Carnitine pumps fatty acids
into the mitochondria. With the help of vitamins B6, C, and niacin, the body produces carnitine from the amino
acids lysine and methionine found in high quality protein. Adequate amounts are not thus formed so some
carnitine must come from muscle and organ meats in the diet for it is not found in vegetables. Obviously, a low
protein or a vegetarian diet would likely create a deficiency of this vital nutrient, and impair the mitochondrial
function causing a loss of energy and a build up of triglycerides and fatty acids in the blood and cells.
The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Enzymology has identified two patients
with the “carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome” through alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotyping. The
carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein in the serum of these patients produces a band on polyacrylamide gel
isoelectric focusing that moves cathodally of the Z-band. In the area of carnitine deficiency, there is, for
example, less than 5% of normal muscle carnitine concentration. After carnitine supplementation, patients
unable to talk or walk, with hypotonic musculature and symptoms of autism, became able to walk with the
help of a walker. They could stand alone for short periods, and they acquired an interest in their
surroundings. The common findings of carnitine deficiency were an impaired ability to walk, muscular
hypotonia, reduced muscle carnitine concentration, and an improvement in locomotion while on carnitine.
Cellular energy production itself produces free radicals that can damage cell structures, including the
mitochondria, and ultimately lead to various diseases if the body’s natural antioxidant capacity is inadequate.
Acylcarnitine and lipoic acid are both endogenous (naturally present in the body) antioxidants that have been
shown to restore the mitochondrial function and reduce free radical damage. (Hagen TM et al., 1998; Lyckesfeldt
J et al., 1998). Together with coenzyme Q10 and NADH, they work to maintain the function of the mitochondria.
It should be noted that not only fatty acids are needed, but glucose must be able to enter the mitochondria to
produce energy needed by the cell and by the muscles. Just as L-carnitine pumps in fatty acids, Alpha Lipoic Acid
pumps in glucose, thus, its supplementation tends to overcome syndrome X, where the cells are resistant to
glucose. This resistance produces unnaturally-high, blood levels of insulin and sugar.
Since the amino acid L–carnitine is frequently lacking in the autistic, this could predispose to heart problems and a lack
of energy. The primary function of carnitine is to escort fatty acids into the mitochondrial furnace where the fat is
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burned to fuel ATP for energy. In this action, it reduces blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol dramatically and
aids weight loss. It boosts energy levels for those suffering from elevated blood sugar levels and kidney insufficiency.
This reduces fatigue. Tests by Dr. Carl Pepine at the University of Florida showed that carnitine increases blood flow in
the heart by 60%, and reduced vascular resistance 25%. It reduces heart arrhythmias by 58% to 90% in patients with
chronic heart problems. He reported that patients were enabled to walk 80% farther before discomfort set in. Dr. A.
Feller (1988) reported in the Journal of Nutrition that arrhythmias are usually a result of a carnitine deficiency. The
heart is enabled to pump more blood, with fewer beats, and with less tendency toward oxygen deprivation. Vitamin E
would be its ally in this for it enables muscles to function on 40% less oxygen. This would relieve angina and reduce
risk of heart attack. A deficiency of carnitine may result in chronic tiredness, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and anemia.
Lysine is converted to carnitine, and carnitine increases Acetylcholine an important neurotransmitter. Autonomic
system abnormalities can be caused by disturbances in Acetylcholine levels, known to be deficient in both autism and
mercury poisoning.
L-carnitine (500 mg capsules twice daily on an empty stomach, or with a carbohydrate snack) reduced ketone,
triglyceride (up to 40%), and cholesterol (up to 21%) levels, and increased HDL levels (up to 15%). Acetyl-L-carnitine
is equally effective with one added benefit. It decreased oxidative damage to the brain that was not observed with Lcarnitine. The suggested use is 200 mg three times a day, increasing after one week to 400 mg three times daily, to
improve brain energy levels. Basic L-carnitine may draw moisture and become unstable, and it is not the most
bioavailable. While the citrate, lactate, and tartrate are good forms, the most effective form is L-carnitine fumarate. It is
up to 9% more bioavailable. Carnitine will conserve calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and may reduce heart
arrhythmias and fatigue—which will reduce risk of heart attack.
Due to increased fat burning, carnitine supplementation creates a significant need for caloric increase. If
none is supplied there will likely be weight loss. It also generates increased free radicals that can severely
damage cells unless additional antioxidants are supplied—particularly vitamins C and E and selenium.
Additionally, lower than normal levels of certain essential fatty acids, such as cholesterol (needed as the
precursor to many hormones) and triglycerides (a large proportion of the blood’s fatty substances) can be
exacerbated by supplemental carnitine. One Mother says, “We lost our seizure control, and did not regain it
until calories had been upped significantly...Please, everyone, let’s consider very carefully the premise that
carnitine supplementation creates a significant need for caloric increase.” The level of fatty acids in the
autistic child is an important factor because the endocrine system and its hormones, the brain and its
neurotransmitters, the myelin sheath, and all the immune system components are derived from lipids (fats).
However, mitochondria cannot metabolize very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) which many autistic have
accumulated; so, if carnitine pumps additional ones into the cell, they can accumulate in the cells where they have
toxic effects. Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare, fatal, degenerative disease caused by a build up of very-longchain, fatty acids (c22 to c28) that destroys the myelin (protective sheath) of the nerves (remember Lorenzo’s Oil?
It’s a preparation of 20% erucic and 80% oleic acids that might be useful to the autist with accumulated VLCFA). It
helps to normalize these fatty acids. Canola oil is a very-long-chain fatty acid (c22) that should be avoided. Inability
to handle VLCFAs is almost universally true in autistic children, but is also seen in Alzheimer’s patients, chronic
fatigue, and cardiovascular disease. The accumulation of VLCFAs inside the cell membrane represents defects in
peroxisomal, beta-oxidation that is likely the result of hypothyroidism and a high-starch (high insulin) diet.
Therefore, the toxic aspect so often described in autism may be defined clearly through examination of Red Blood
Cell lipids with elevation of VLCFAs being a reflection of blocked detoxification mechanisms (that is, the Phase I
liver enzymes are sluggish). These can be safely enhanced with Milk Thistle, Bistort, Royal Jelly, Sheep Sorrel, and
Ginger, but other herbs that enhance Phase I are usually, potentially, liver toxic. Elevation of DHA is not particularly
disturbing unless Omega-6 fatty acids (particularly Arachidonic Acid) are suppressed (both EPA and DHA in excess
suppress them). In some cases, the VLCFA DHA is reduced. In that case, supplementation of DHA has proven most
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helpful in relieving many symptoms of VLCFA disease.
Carnitine supplementation holds great promise, and it must be supplemented when Depakote™ is being
used, but I think there are some things we must guard against. Additional carnitine will pump more fatty
acids into the mitochondria to produce additional energy. It would help to know, from a previous blood test,
that the triglycerides and cholesterol were normal or elevated. When using carnitine, to avoid creating a
deficiency in fatty acids, we must supplement with Evening Primrose and cod-liver oils as outlined
elsewhere in this paper, and ensure the child is getting enough calories for his size and activity. The wild
card is the VLCFAs. To determine their status run the Red Blood Cell Lipid test. Symptoms of fatty acid
deficiency would tend to be thirst, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, excess urination, dandruff, eczema, and
rough skin. If these symptoms, or low triglyceride/cholesterol levels, or excess VLCFAs were present, I
would not supplement manganese, selenium, vitamin B2, and carnitine until these problems were
being corrected. As I understand it, carnitine could lower the fatty acids and blood fats adversely, and could
overload the cell with VLCFAs that it cannot burn. Look to the thyroid, do the iodine test, and if indicated,
support the thyroid.
Autoimmune presentation may be depicted by this elevation of VLCFAs, vaccenic acid, Mead acid, EPA
and DHA due to upregulation of nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide. Status of the immune system is
viewed primarily through the balance and sufficiency of EFAs of both the Omega 6 and Omega 3 series.
Immune function is highly dependent upon the AA cascade. Although many disorders are indeed
inflammatory in nature, depicting elevation of AA, many more disorders are a result of depleted AA stores
(as in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and metal toxicity) and
consequently the body fails to mount an appropriate immune response.
2. A second cause of mitochondrial energy disorder is inflammation associated with the release of excess
nitric oxide as mentioned above. The Far Infrared Sauna, the herb Ginkgo Biloba, and DHEA selectively increase
the release of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme that reacts with arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO). It is
reported that one week on this sauna showed a 40-fold increase of this enzyme in the endothelial cells of the aorta!
This may be great for reducing blood pressure, but these should be avoided in this instance because excess NO
can cause uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation as well as inhibiting the Krebs cycle enzyme, aconitase. This
will result in organic acidemias, and low mitochondrial energy production. Lactic acidosis and a carnitine
deficiency in autistic patients suggest excessive nitric acid production in mitochondria (Lombard, 1998, Chigani,
et al, 1999), and mercury may be a participant. Methyl mercury accumulates in the mitochondria, where it
inhibits several mitochondrial enzymes, reduces ATP production and Ca2+ (calcium) buffering capacity, and
disrupts mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation (Atchison & Hare, 1994; Rajanna and Hobson,
1985; Faro et al., 1998). The behavior associated with excess NO production in the autist is maniacal laughter. NO
is a gas that lasts only a few seconds. Thus, a large serving of Arginine tends to spike NO and shortly lose its
effect. If Arginine is supplemented, use only the time-released type (Perfusia-SR by Thorne Research, Inc.) in
order to maintain a more constant, low-level of NO.
Neurological problems are among the most common and serious of mercury poisoning, and include memory loss,
moodiness, depression, anger and sudden bursts of anger/rage, self-effacement, suicidal thoughts, lack of
strength/force to resolve doubts or resist obsessions or compulsions. Mercury causes decreased lithium levels,
which is a factor in neurological diseases such as depression and Alzheimer’s. Lithium protects brain cells against
excess glutamate induced excitability and calcium influx, and low levels cause abnormal brain cell balance and
neurological disturbances. Medical texts on neurology point out that chronic mercurialism is often misdiagnosed
as dementia or neurosis or functional psychosis.
Mercury, at extremely low levels, interferes with formation of tubulin, producing neurofibrillary tangles in
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the brain similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s patients with high levels of mercury in the brain. Mercury
and the induced neurofibrillary tangles appear to produce a functional zinc deficiency in the AD sufferers, as
well as causing reduced lithium levels. Mercury binds to hemoglobin in the red blood cell, and will reduce
the amount of oxygen that can be carried in the blood—a major cause of Fatigue. Mercury, at a level of 1
part per ten million, will actively destroy the membrane of red blood cells. Mercury binds with cell
membranes interfering with sodium and potassium enzyme functions, causing excess membrane
permeability, especially in terms of the blood-brain barrier. Less than 1 ppm mercury in the blood stream
can impair the blood-brain barrier. Mercury also blocks the immune function of magnesium and zinc.
Exposure to mercury vapor causes decreased zinc and methionine availability, depresses rates of
methylation (a bodily process of converting inorganic forms to organic forms, part of the detoxifying
process), and increases free radicals—all factors in increased susceptibility to chronic disease and to cancer.
Mercury, especially organic mercury, causes accumulation of calcium into the cells, therefore, one does not
want to take much calcium, and one wants to have a high ratio of magnesium to calcium, that is, keep
magnesium up and calcium down to reduce the accumulative effects. Mercury also blocks the metabolic
action of manganese, allowing an increased production of NO and the entry of calcium ions into cell.
Mercury, then, is excitotoxic in its action.
Magnesium and manganese are the doorkeepers regulating the proper amount of calcium entering the cell.
Mercury, if excreted in the urine, pulls out magnesium from the body, thus increasing the manganese relative to
magnesium levels. Rarely is mercury excreted, and most commonly it migrates to the brain where it can drive
both brain toxicity and increases in manganese. In either case, increases in manganese relative to magnesium
may increase measles viral mutations. Shifts in magnesium to manganese cations in the body can significantly
enhance viral mutation rates by 6-10-fold.
The significance of this in your child’s life may be seen in the following: A group measured mercury levels
in 15 preterm and 5 term infants before and after Hep B vaccination. According to the group, aftervaccination mercury levels in both preterm and term infants showed a significant increase. Mercury levels in
the preterm infants were three times higher than in the term infants, and this was statistically significant,
according to the team—Dr. Gregory V. Stajich from Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia.
A recent study demonstrates that oral administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a widely available and
largely nontoxic amino acid derivative, produces a profound acceleration of urinary methyl mercury
excretion in mice. Mice that received NAC in the drinking water (10 mg/ml) starting at 48 hr after
methyl mercury administration excreted from 47 to 54% of the 203 Hg in urine over the subsequent 48
hr, as compared to 4-10% excretion in control animals. When NAC was given from the time of methyl
mercury administration, it was even more effective at enhancing urinary methyl mercury excretion, and
at lowering tissue mercury levels. In contrast, excretion of inorganic mercury was not affected by oral
NAC administration. Three other nontoxic elements that readily bond to mercury rendering it less toxic
and more easily excretable are Oxygen, Sulfur, and Selenium. When eating fish, take 50 mcg of
selenium and a capsule of NAC and enjoy! Selenium binds strongly to Mercury, cadmium, and arsenic
depleting the stores of this trace element that is needed for cellular health. Latest research shows a
conclusive connection between reduced levels of selenium and increased risk of cancers.
A lack of selenium also adversely affects the conversion of T4 thyroid hormone to T3. Stress also reduces the
conversion of T4 to the more active T3. Additionally, when the liver can no longer listen to insulin, conversion
of T4 to T3 is hindered. However, it is the transformation within the cells that counts, and a lack of glutathione
(universal in ASD, said to be at 1/3 normal) not only hinders the conversion, but also reduces uptake of T3 into
cells. Researchers found that, in non-diabetic, non-fasting, healthy individuals, T4 to T3 conversion was 36%,
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but in those fasting, this dropped to 18%. In diabetic, non-fasting individuals conversion of T4 to T3 was 12%
(Nutrition and Healing, July 2004)! Both cadmium and mercury inhibit the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to
active T3, but high arsenic (that binds selenium) or low copper enhances it (perhaps by increasing the above
conversion rates), leading to high T3 readings. Those doing DMSA have confirmed this. When selenium was
depleted, T3 increased. In people who are hyperinsulinemic with a thyroid hormone that comes back totally
normal, it is important to measure their T3. Just as often as not, their free T3 will be low, but get their insulin
down and it comes back up. Hyperinsulinemia also causes the excretion of calcium and magnesium in the
urine. People with hyperinsulinemia (insulin resistance) can take all the calcium and magnesium they want by
mouth, and it will largely go out in their urine. Magnesium chloride oil/gel are available to rub on (inquire), and
Epsom salts baths can supply needed magnesium sulfate working around this problem.
Paradoxically, in a Chinese study, researchers found that selenium and vitamin E deficiency reduced blood levels of T3
by more than one-third! Vitamin E was thought to protect the T4/T3 conversion process. Nothing is simple when it
comes to the hormonal system! All myelination is controlled by T3. Free T3 regulates serotonin and melatonin
metabolism. T3 controls serotonin uptake, binding to its receptors, so if there are serotonin problems, look to the
thyroid. Arsenic causes T4 to convert to too much T3, which can cause Edema of the Septum Pellucidum and ensuing
aggression. Thus, when arsenic poisoned, one may have to watch selenium levels greatly. To efficiently convert T4 to
the active form T3, you need a specific ratio of zinc to copper of about 8:1. If you have had hair analysis and or fecal
testing or blood tests you may know what your ratio is. If not, I would suggest finding out. Zinc deficiency decreases
concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (fT4) in serum by approximately 30%. Most of the zinc is
cellular with only a small amount in the blood plasma. Blood tests, therefore, are a poor indicator of systemic zinc
status. Mercury (in amalgam, and thimerosal in vaccines) will also cause hypothyroidism by interfering with
selenoenzymes (Watanabe et al, 1999), and mercury competes and really messes up zinc absorption/utilization creating
all kinds of effects throughout the body.
3. Defects in respiratory chain enzymes produce mitochondrial energy disorders: Pyruvate
Dehydrogenase or mitochondrial respiratory chain defects, that is, NAD, NADH, Coenzyme Q10, and
cytochrome oxidase deficiency. Although we find a variety of autistic phenotypes to have associated
mitochondrial abnormalities, the most common is nonspecific PDD, typically of a form that manifests
language and cognitive regression or stagnation during the second year. Most surprising among multiplex
families is that the biochemical and clinical markers of mitochondrial disease often segregate in an
autosomal-dominant manner (that is, genetically induced). Although no molecular lesion has yet been found
in the autosomal dominant families, the biochemical findings are most consistent with abnormal
mitochondrial Complex I activity (that is NAD/NADH activity—WSL). Early and careful evaluation of
autistic children for these more subtle mitochondrial disturbances may rescue them from more severe brain
injury (Kelley, Richard, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD). Note that
the acetaldehyde toxin given off by Candida yeast inhibits the NAD/NADH exchange contributing to an
excess of NADH that in turn upsets the delicate reduction/oxidation, or redox, balance in liver cells.
4. Excess glutamate exposure, a common and increasing source being MSG, flavor enhancers, and
protein substitutes. Generally, autistic children show low glutamine, high glutamate readings. Plasma levels of
glutamic acid and aspartic acid are elevated even as levels of glutamine and asparagine were low (MorenoFuenmayor et al, 1996). Mercury inhibits the uptake of glutamate, with consequent elevation of glutamate
levels in the extracellular space (O’Carroll et al, 1995). Thimerosal enhances extracellular free arachidonate
and reduces glutamate uptake (Volterra et al, 1992) causing an excitotoxic situation. Cells that are without
oxygen may release excessive glutamate, exacerbating the situation. Low oxygen is common in autistics.
Excessive glutamate is implicated in epileptiform activities (Scheyer, 1998; Chapman et al, 1996). Children’s
forming brains are four times more sensitive to neuro-excitotoxins. The lower the energy production of the cell,
the more susceptible it is to excitotoxicity. Low magnesium levels (common in “our” children) can double free182
radical production and magnify their toxicity! The generation of increased levels of free radicals within the cell
can activate the p53 tumor-suppressor gene triggering apoptosis (cell suicide). Excess glutamate can kill
neurons by necrosis (by allowing excess calcium into the cells) as well. Magnesium is the calcium regulator.
Elevated plasma glutamate lowers cellular GSH by inhibiting cystine uptake.
Additionally, high glutamate levels result in the depletion of glutathione. Streptococcal infection is also
more likely to be an issue in individuals with high glutamate levels, as glutamate is related to virulence in
streptococci. Streptococcus flourishes in a high glutamate, low glutathione environment. Thus, the
combined effects of changes in gut flora and depleted glutathione lay the groundwork for leaky gut.
Additionally, high levels of insulin inhibit an enzyme in the cell wall responsible for helping to regulate proper
intracellular calcium balance. Since the interstitial fluid outside the cell usually contains a thousand-times
higher concentration of calcium than is normally present within the cell, this excess insulin response to our
improper (high carbohydrate) diet simply opens the calcium floodgates into the cell by inhibiting this
membrane enzyme. Mercury, and especially organic mercury, causes accumulation of calcium into the cells,
therefore, one does not want to take much calcium, at least one wants to have a high ratio of Mg/Ca, that is,
keep magnesium up and calcium down to reduce the accumulative effects—and supplement manganese.
Otherwise, excessive calcium will enter the cells, impairing metabolism, producing cross-linkages and
premature aging, and eventually producing dangerous arterial spasms. Manganese is a natural chelating agent
when taken in the food supply or as a supplement. Manganese and magnesium will do everything a calcium
channel blocker will do, but more naturally and effectively. There will be no excessive intracellular infiltration
by calcium transporting through the cell membrane as long as manganese and magnesium, and possibly zinc,
are present. Manganese works in a similar way to magnesium’s characteristic of displacing calcium ions. One
of the keys to mercury’s effects on health may be its ability to block the functioning of manganese, a key
mineral required for physiological reactions. Potassium helps restore electrical balance in heart cells while
limiting the amount of calcium that can enter those cells. New studies in humans and in the laboratory show
that PCBs and mercury interact to cause harm at lower thresholds than either substance acting alone.
Though forced to remove MSG, baby formula today frequently utilizes caseinate that contains a high enough level
of glutamate to endanger a newborn’s brain! These excitotoxic additives are hidden under the terms hydrolyzed
vegetable protein, protein isolate, protein extracts, caseinate, and natural flavorings! Another damaging excitotoxin
is Aspartame™ that has increased exponentially in all our foods. Some of the many aspartame toxicity symptoms
reported include seizures, headaches, memory loss, tremors, convulsions, vision loss, nausea, dizziness, confusion,
depression, irritability, anxiety attacks, personality changes, heart palpitations, chest pains, skin diseases, loss of
blood sugar control, arthritic symptoms, weight gain (in some cases), fluid retention, and excessive thirst or
urination. The phenylalanine in aspartame lowers the seizure threshold and depletes serotonin. Lowered serotonin
triggers manic depression, panic attacks, anxiety, rage, mood swings, suicidal tendencies, etc. Clearly, regular
exposure to a toxic substance such as formaldehyde may worsen, or in some cases contribute to the development
of chronic diseases. Other excitotoxins include fluoride, aluminum, iron overload, and organophosphate pesticides
and herbicides.
We have spoken of the need for supplemental iron, but we need to be aware of iron overload. Hemochromatosis is a
disease in which the body absorbs too much iron from the normal diet or supplements. Over many years, the excess
iron builds up in the joints, liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, heart, and other organs causing serious organ damage. It
can cause a bronzing of the skin. Untreated, the disease can lead to arthritis, cirrhosis, diabetes, impotence, sterility,
hypothyroidism, heart disease, or liver cancer. Hemochromatosis patients often have “sore tongues”, and sore
“swallowing mechanisms”, which may explain food problems, speech problems, and the like.
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About one in 200 Americans have hemochromatosis and one in 10 are carriers for the disease. Typically,
symptoms first appear in men between the ages of 30 and 50 years and in women who are past menopause.
“The most common symptoms are fatigue, abdominal pains (which may also indicate an iron deficiency—
WSL) and joint pains,” says Virgil Fairbanks, M.D. Iron overload as seen in hereditary hemochromatosis
patients enhances suppressor T-cell (CD8) numbers and activity, decreases the proliferative capacity, numbers,
and activity of helper T cells (CD4) with increases in CD8/CD4 ratios, impairs the generation of cytotoxic T
cells, and alters immunoglobulin secretion when compared to treated hereditary hemochromatosis patients or
controls. Its treatment is to avoid iron supplements and give blood regularly.
This same build up of excess iron may have nothing to do with genetic, excess absorption, but with malutilization of iron. When copper is deficient, the body can’t use iron so it accumulates and causes free radical
damage. The disease is also called siderosis, which is characterized by a gray pallor to the skin from iron
accumulation in the tissue. One study concluded “The frequency of thyroid disorders in men with
hemochromatosis is about 80 times that of men in the general population.” What this likely means is that when
men become copper deficient, they accumulate iron and become hyperthyroid. Iron, copper, manganese, and
zinc work as a four-horse team. When one slacks the traces, it affects the pull of the others. Too much of one
will deplete the others. So, when supplementing zinc, we have spoken of the need to balance with copper, but it
is just as vital to supplement with iron, or at least keep track of iron stores. Manganese must be kept track of
too. Anemia, possibly with high copper, is often the first sign of hypothyroidism.
It would appear that the pathology of autism is one of immune dysregulation, with associated food
intolerance, and opportunistic infection that triggers excessive production of the inflammatory cytokines and
nitric oxide leading eventually to neural mitochondrial inhibition. Dr. Rosemary Waring tells us that the
excess cytokines reduces available sulfates also.
One of the better qualities of sulfur is its ability to be fairly well absorbed and utilized via oral
administration. The safe administration of sulfur can be achieved orally with these sulfur-bearing
substances: methylsufonylmethane (MSM), garlic, methionine, alpha lipoic acid, biotin, thiamin,
bromelain, and in small doses, N-acetylcysteine. The problem is, these may not oxidize to sulfate. In
that instance, one can supplement sulfates orally as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (these may be
contraindicated where cholesterol levels are high—check with your doctor), and by Epsom salts baths.
Sulfates are normally poorly absorbed orally (max 20%), but taking them with bromelain will enhance
absorption significantly. One can also enhance absorption and speed effectiveness of glucosamine by 4 or 5
times by taking it with some essential fatty acids.
Remember that glucosamine is often manufactured from shellfish, so if sensitive to shellfish it could be a
problem. Kirkman Labs offers a Magnesium sulfate cream for transdermal application. Before supplementing
with sulfate, one should address the issues of dysbiosis and leaky gut in order to break the cycles of chronic
inflammation. All of the aforementioned sulfur supplements are safe when used as directed on the product.
Nevertheless, long time use may suppress serum chloride indicating that the child should be permitted to salt
his foods to taste. MSM, Epsom salts baths, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, glutathione, Cysteine, Alpha
lipoic acid, methionine, copper, and other forms of sulfur also deplete molybdenum, and it should be
supplemented when using these nutrients. Molybdenum is an essential, trace element. It helps regulate iron
stores in the body, and is a key component of at least three enzymes: xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and
sulfite oxidase. These enzymes are involved with carbohydrate metabolism, fat oxidation, urine metabolism,
and toxic sulfite and aldehyde metabolism. Molybdenum deficiencies are associated with esophageal cancer,
sexual impotence, and tooth decay. “Garlic suppresses the enzyme cyclooxygenase needed for beta
oxidation of Long-Chain Fatty Acids”—Patricia Kane. If your fatty acid test shows this to be a problem,
eliminate garlic and garlic salt.
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Sulfate is a ubiquitous substance that has biochemical significance in every cell of the body. When its quantity,
quality, or varieties were in any way compromised, the effects manifest in a pervasive manner in all systems of
the body. Sulfate deficiencies, like no other single metabolic agent, has the potential to effect a degenerative
cascade of dysfunction that significantly disrupts and alters digestive, immune, circulatory, detoxification,
endocrine, and neurological functions. Sulfate deficiencies have been reported in people with migraine,
rheumatoid arthritis, jaundice, and other allergic conditions all of which are anecdotally reported as common in
the families of people with autism.
The satellite familial incidences and chromosomal loci proximities of Bi-polar and Unipolar Depression,
Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, schizophrenia, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Down’s Syndrome, Mental
Retardation, Epilepsy, Homocystinuria, blood-sugar disorders, alcohol/chemical dependency, and Crohn’s
Disease/Ulcerative Colitis/Irritable Bowel in regards to Autism is pointing to some possible commonalties in
etiology that cannot be ignored. The transport mechanism that should transfer iron into the blood is defective in
persons with Crohn’s Disease. The body’s natural response to an inflammation/infection is decreasing the iron
transport from the intestines into the blood. This is done because bacteria need iron for growth. However, when
the inflammation is INSIDE the intestines, this defense mechanism works contra productive causing iron build-up
in the intestines. This reactive iron can damage the intestine. Therapies that utilize sulfate have been very
successful with many of these disorders and strongly suggest that it may play a pivotal role in the etiology of these
disorders as well.
Additionally, TNF is an important part of the inflammation process that your body uses to attack foreign
substances. What is really interesting is, it is a known fact that all Crohn’s patients have a very high level of
TNF. Actually, the most potent, recently-released, FDA-approved drug for Crohn’s, Remicade™, eliminates
TNF, and it has been shown to have a marked beneficial effect on Crohn’s. See several, natural ways to
eliminate excess TNF in the following pages and skip the side effects.
Elevated serotonin is found in: psychosis or schizophrenia, mood disorders, organic-brain disease, mental
retardation, autism, and Alzheimer’s; while low levels of the metabolism of serotonin (which also produces
high serotonin) are found in those with depression, anxiety, suicide, violence, arson, substance abuse,
insomnia, violent nightmares, impulsive behavior, reckless driving, exhibitionism, hostility, argumentative
behavior, etc. Phenol-sulfotransferase (PST) liver enzymes (Phase II) metabolize serotonin. These require
sulfate to perform their function.
Mitochondrial malfunction is widespread in Autism. Nutrients that may improve the mitochondrial function include
magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, acetyl-L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine, vitamins B1, B2, niacin/niacinamide, folic acid,
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) or NADH (ENADA™), alpha-ketoglutarate, and antioxidants such as
vitamins E and C, alpha lipoic acid, manganese, and selenium. Supplementation of glutathione has improved skill with
numbers and fine motor skills. Oral glutathione is significantly assimilated, and of benefit to the gut according to
research found by Dr. McGinnis. Take it with some vitamin C that will improve its assimilation by up to 20%.
Kirkman Labs has a lotion for transdermal application that may enhance the systemic levels significantly. Where
possible, help the body produce its own supply by using supplements mentioned elsewhere in this paper.
Supplementing glutathione, particularly with high-dose-IV Glutathione, depletes NADH, and it must be supplemented.
It should be noted that acetyl-L-carnitine provides an acetyl group to aid in formation of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine and, in fact, has neurotransmitter properties much like acetylcholine. Acetyl-L-0 is an antioxidant that
increases mitochondrial energy production in the brain, stabilizes the cell membrane, increases cholinergic
transmission in the brain (helps memory), and chelates iron. It is shown to reverse hippocampal and prefrontal loss
of neurons associated with aging and significantly reduces Lipofuscin pigment accumulation in the brain. It reduces
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receptor loss associated with aging and improves learning and memory in aged animals and humans. It is shown to
defend brain cells against lipid peroxidation, and it increases both glutathione and CoQ10 concentrations. In
addition, it can increase the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (Blaylock: Excitotoxins).
Solutions to the Problems
Olfactory and gustatory symptoms of psychiatric patients were ameliorated completely or partially by zinc
supplementation, that is, their sense of smell and taste are improved so they tend to eat better. In a small
study (Am J Clin Nutr 53:16, 1991), 30 mg zinc per day intake increased the short-term recall of visual
images. Since it is known that essential-fatty-acid metabolites stimulate intestinal zinc, taking fatty acids
with zinc supplements is clearly warranted. Zinc deficiency impairs vitamin A metabolism, and inhibits
prostaglandin synthesis from essential-fatty acids, either by blocking linoleic acid (LA) desaturation to
gamma linolenic acid (GLA), or by inhibiting the mobilization of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
from the tissue membrane stores. Zinc and vitamins B3, B6, and C are necessary for the conversion of
essential-fatty acids to PgE1 (prostaglandin E1), an anti-inflammatory that is protective from the excessive
gastric secretion. Zinc is known to help in the healing of gastric and peptic ulcers. This is probably because
zinc is required for the synthesis of gastric mucosa. Zinc controls over 200 enzymes, one of which is
necessary for the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid. Note this quotation: “We took hair samples from 31
boys and 15 girls, and had them analyzed by Dr. P. J. Barrow of the Dept of Environmental Health,
University of Aston, Birmingham. Twenty-four of the boys and seven of the girls had zinc values below the
normal range” —from 1979 survey of hyperactive children belonging to the H.A.C.S.G. “Our May 1981
research paper: ‘A Lack of Essential Fatty Acids as a Possible Cause of Hyperactivity in Children’ was
based on these findings.”
>>>Dietary fat influences the effect of zinc deficiency on liver lipids and fatty acids in rats force-fed equal
quantities of diet; Eder K, Kirchgessner M J Nutr 1994 Oct, 124:101917-26.
Abstract:
Previous studies showed that zinc deficiency influences the fatty acid composition of rat tissues, but the influence
of dietary fat on the effects of zinc deficiency was not considered at that time. The present study was conducted to
investigate the effect of zinc deficiency on lipid concentrations in the liver and on fatty acid composition of liver
phospholipids in rats fed diets containing coconut oil or fish oil, using a bifactorial experimental design. To ensure
an adequate food intake, all rats were force-fed. The zinc-deficient rats fed the coconut oil diet developed fatty
livers, whereas zinc-deficient animals fed the fish oil diet did not. The zinc-deficient rats in both dietary-fat
groups had lower levels of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and total n-6 (that is, Omega-6) fatty acids in the liver
phospholipids, especially in the phosphatidylcholine, but greater concentrations of n-3 (that is, Omega-3) fatty
acids compared with zinc-adequate controls. We conjecture that zinc deficiency influences incorporation of
polyunsaturated fatty acids into phosphatidylcholine. The lower levels of arachidonic acid are replaced in the zincdeficient animals fed a coconut oil diet by docosapentaenoic (DPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids
(VLCFAs), and in the zinc-deficient animals fed a fish oil diet by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The replacement
of arachidonic acid by other fatty acids in the phospholipids is likely to have implications for prostaglandin
synthesis. The study shows that the type of dietary fat influences the effects of zinc deficiency on fatty acid
composition and especially on lipid concentrations in the liver. >>>
In zinc deficiency, one is more susceptible to toxin-producing bacteria or enteroviral pathogens that activate
guanylate and adenylate cyclases, stimulating chloride secretion, producing diarrhea and diminishing absorption
of nutrients, thus exacerbating an already compromised mineral status, lowering zinc levels still further. In
addition, zinc deficiency may impair the absorption of water and electrolytes, delaying the termination of normally
self-limiting gastrointestinal disease episodes. Diarrhea always brings the specter of dehydration that may be
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recognized by sunken eyes, decreased skin turgor (dried out), or strong, body odor. One study showed zinc
supplementation could reduce the duration of diarrhea by 20 to 30%, reduce incidence of diarrhea by 38%, and
reduce acute, respiratory infections such as pneumonia up to 48%—American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
August 1998. Interestingly, sugar-free, shredded coconut will stop diarrhea, even coconut macaroons will!
Parasites are better able to survive in the zinc-deficient hosts than in well-nourished hosts. The production of
interleukin-4 in the spleen of zinc-deficient mice is depressed, leading to depressed levels of IgE, IgG(1) and
eosinophils; and the function of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells is impaired by zinc deficiency as well as by
energy restriction. Thirty days of suboptimal intake of zinc can lead to 30-80% losses in defense capacity!
Supplementation with zinc or iron, or both, improved indicators of vitamin A status. The results of this study agree
with previous observations of a metabolic interaction between zinc and vitamin A, and suggest an interaction
between iron and vitamin A metabolism. A big aid to controlling diarrhea, while working to alleviate the cause, is
to feed one teaspoon of raw, carob powder two or three times a day. Bananas are helpful too, replacing lost
potassium.
Children that are unsettled, frequently demanding attention, upset much of the time, and those whose sleep is
regularly broken during the night can be very wearying on parents to say the least. Additionally, recent studies
show that in sleep-deprived people the part of the brain responsible for language slowed down tremendously.
Furthermore, after a sleepless night, a person will do only half as well on memory tests as when well rested
(Students take note!). Sleep deprivation produces more insulin and cortisol, both damaging to health and wellbeing. Dr. Joseph T. Hart, a pediatrician of Portland, Oregon, has found that by supplementing zinc you may be
able to eliminate the problem of sleeplessness. He has supplied zinc drops to hundreds of children, and in the
majority of the cases, the chronic sleeplessness has disappeared! Additionally, copper, iron, and magnesium, as
well as vitamin A deficiencies will adversely affect sleep. Dr. K. M. Hambridge of Denver, Colorado, observed
that zinc-fed babies were much less irritable. Hart reports that zinc supplementation also produces
improvement in appetite, and reduces daytime irritability, diarrhea, skin rashes, and pallor. In older children,
whose wakefulness was followed by climbing out of bed and getting in with their parents, the habit was lost.
This is understood when we realize the synthesis of serotonin involves vitamin B6 and zinc enzymes, and since
serotonin is necessary for melatonin synthesis, a zinc deficiency may result in low levels of both hormones.
Unfortunately, zinc levels tend to be low when there is excess copper and cadmium. Moreover, high estrogen
levels from soy and flax tend to cause increased absorption of copper and cadmium. Cadmium affects verbal
ability more and lead affects performance measures more. The high estrogen can create anxiety in the child.
Many consider soy to be good food. Aside from considerations of genetic altering taking place, one study states
that genetic activation of an enzyme (aromatase) involved in the conversion of testosterone into estrogens was
increased by genistein and, to a lesser extent, diadzein. The soy extract stimulated one of the estrogen receptors
(b receptor) greater than genistein and diadzen, although the latter two were stimulatory themselves. Genistein
decreased receptors for testosterone-like molecules (androgens) significantly, while diadzein affected them only
half as much. This, in effect, produces more estrogen from available testosterone making the woman more
susceptible to breast cancer and less sexual, and it makes the man more feminine with less sexual drive!
Prevention Magazine™ (September 2003) reported on a study that found that feeding genistein to pregnant and
breastfeeding animals produced male offspring with lower testosterone levels and smaller sexual organs! Soy
milk is not a suitable food for children or adults!
Zinc also helps get rid of the terrible two’s. Within a week you can often see a definite settling down, and
reduction of tantrums and of the terrorizing of the poor mother! Zinc is being successfully used for learning
disabled children, for children with seizures, skin lesions, and histories of infections. Zinc is essential for new
tissue formation. It is essential for white blood cell and antibody formation. It helps neutralize toxic minerals in the
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body, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and copper. It also seems to make other nutrients work better. High lead,
copper, manganese, or mercury levels have been found to be associated with ADHD, impulsivity, and inability to
inhibit inappropriate responding. New research from Israel and the UK indicates the hyperactivity of ADHD is
linked to zinc deficiencies. Studies have also found evidence of a connection between low levels of zinc and three
other common childhood diseases: treatment resistant depression, childhood-onset diabetes, and epilepsy. Zinc is
an antagonist to toxic metals like cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, and adequate levels are required to balance the
adverse effects of these toxic substances on cellular calcium and other enzymatic processes. Additionally, in one
study, “…damage of liver cell, such as lobular necrosis and portal inflammation, were relieved. From these results,
organic germanium is considered to have beneficial effect on the protection of liver from cadmium intoxication”.
No such protection against mercury was observed—Hyo Min Lee and Yong Chung, The Institute for
Environmental Research, Yonsei University, Korea.
Nevertheless, it is interesting to note this: “With ADHD, once you make the necessary craniosacral
correction, it’s over—you don’t have to worry about it anymore. The correction, when appropriate, usually
involves resolving compression in the neck area (atlas occipital region) that occurs during the birth process.
I estimate about 50% of individuals with ADHD fall into this category.”—Dr. John Upledger. Many find
craniosacral correction helpful to autism.
Violent behavior in young men appears to be linked to an imbalance in the relationship of copper and zinc,
according to a study published in the Journal Physiology & Behavior. “Our preliminary findings show that
young men who have varying levels of angry, violent behavior also have elevated copper and depressed zinc
levels; the non-assaultive controls in our study did not”, said William Walsh, Ph.D. Any white spots on
finger or toe nails, face noticeably pale? Definitely supplement zinc. Don’t let the doctor ignore a low
Alkaline Phosphatase (alk phos) reading for a lack of this zinc dependent enzyme means you need zinc. The
commercial zinc tablets (primarily sulfates) are particularly painful for many because free zinc binds to
already damaged mucosal cells directly. The zinc drops are preferable. Consult with your medical
professional about this possibility. In the case of pallor, check for anemia and low thyroid activity also.
Anemia is often the first sign of hypothyroidism. When body temperatures are low, the marrow makes less
red cells! Very important is the observation that anemia in hypothyroidism is often not diagnosed because
hypothyroids have a lower volume of plasma which causes a false high estimation of the amount of
hemoglobin in the blood. A strong desire to chew ice is a sure sign of iron deficiency anemia. Zinc and
selenium along with vitamin A, glutathione, and vitamin B6 are essential to formation of T3 thyroid
hormone. Vitamin B6 and magnesium deficiency predominates in hyperactive kids also.
Zinc is vital in another pervasive problem affecting autistic. Subnormal values for the essential amino acids Valine
and Leucine are common. Leucine and isoleucine are commonly found to be deficient in the mentally and
physically ill. RDA for Leucine is 16 mg per kg of body weight per day. Animal protein provides 70 mg per gram.
RDA for isoleucine is 12 mg per kg of body weight. Animal protein supplies 42 mg per gram. MTBE, a gasoline
additive that is contaminating drinking water, inhibits the amino acid cascade of valine; causing itching, skin
difficulties, and occasionally hair loss. MTBE also blocks the synthesis of glycine. Glycine is required as a
neuroinhibitor in the spinal cord, to regulate acetylcholine, the transmitter that powers muscle movement. Without
enough glycine to modulate the acetylcholine, muscles can become chronically tense, and tend to cramp
spontaneously. Valine and leucine are “branched-chain”, essential, amino acids, and their digestion and uptake
from food require proper peptidase function in the small intestine. This is why one should supplement a digestive
enzyme containing peptidase (GI–Zyme™ - Mannatech™, SpectraZyme™, Peptizyde™, EnZym-Complete™).
Leucine aminopeptidase is one such enzyme. To be active, it requires zinc and a gut pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
Peptidase dysfunction and resulting, excess-peptide uptake is what much of autism is about. Zinc deficiency can
cause both peptidase dysfunction and growth failure. As indicated, mercury also inhibits both zinc and the
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peptidase enzymes.
The latest Government survey shows 81% of the kids are not getting the RDI of zinc! A high percentage of
females with Anorexia Nervosa have low serum zinc. Incidentally, it has now been established that both plasma
and serum zinc concentrations are subject to acute variations, being highest in the morning and falling after a
meal. Stress alone can cause a rapid fall in plasma zinc values, as can certain steroid drugs such as oral
contraceptives. Furthermore, all manner of infections tend to reduce both plasma and serum zinc levels in a
way that is not necessarily related to primary nutritional zinc status. Only repeated low plasma zinc tests can
provide grounds for suspecting zinc deficiency. The only true indicator is a Red Blood Cell Tissue test. How
much is in the cell is all that counts. Zinc is not stored in the fashion of some other minerals and must be
supplied each day in adequate amounts. It is also a water-soluble nutrient and easily lost from cooked foods.
On the other hand, supplementing zinc in very high amounts over long term is dangerous. Excessive zinc
intake will eventually affect the balance and proper ratios to numerous other important nutrients that may
include iron, copper, manganese, calcium, selenium, nickel, phosphorus, as well as Vitamins A, B1, C, and
others. It may cause, or contribute to gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, anemia, loss of libido, impotence,
prostatitis, ovarian cysts, menstrual problems, depressed immune functions, muscle spasms, sciatica, renal
tubular necrosis/interstitial nephritis, dizziness, and vomiting, among others. Unless already in excess, a
supplement of copper and manganese must be taken when supplementing zinc.
While the branched-chain aminos are usually deficient, Maple Sugar Urine Disease (MSUD) derives its name from the
sweet, burnt sugar smell caused by an excess of these amino acids. The disorder affects the way the body metabolizes
the three branch-chain amino-acids Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. These amino acids accumulate in the blood
causing a toxic effect that interferes with brain function.
One type of phagocyte cell is the macrophage. In the brain, this is called myelinophage, in the liver, kupffer cells.
The primary function of these cells is to break down and remove substances the immune system marks as ‘nonself’. These pivotal cells in many immunologic functions are adversely affected by zinc deficiency, which can
dysregulate intracellular killing, cytokine production, and phagocytosis. Dr. Woody McGinnis says zinc
deficiency is involved in warts, acne, stretch marks, asthma, and frequent infections. One study of hyperactive
kids showed almost 50% were deficient in stomach acid, most likely because of a zinc deficiency common to
ADHD. Zinc citrate, the form in mothers’ milk, is quite bioavailable in restoring zinc levels, but zinc picolinate,
OptiZinc®, or liquid, ionic forms seem more certain of assimilation.
Several studies have found that most children with ADHD have deficiencies of certain minerals, such as
magnesium and zinc that are commonly depleted by exposure to toxic metals, and most show significant
improvement after supplementation with these minerals. Magnesium is the most common, significant,
mineral deficiency among ADHD children, but zinc is commonly deficient among children with ADHD and
disruptive behavior disorders.
Studies have found the level of free, fatty acids significantly lower in children with ADHD and autism. In 1981,
Colquhoun and Bunday proposed that hypothesis based on a survey of hyperactive children. These children showed
clinical signs consistent with a deficiency of essential, fatty acids: excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry skin and
hair, brittle nails, and skin problems. Blood biochemical studies subsequently provided supporting evidence for the
hypothesis. Peet and colleagues reported that a dietary analysis of 20 patients with schizophrenia yielded significant
relationships between the status of dietary, Omega-3, fatty acids and the severity of both schizophrenia symptoms
and tardive dyskinesia. A higher consumption of Omega-3, fatty acids correlated with less severe symptomatology.
There is also a case report in the literature of a 77-year old patient with Alzheimer’s dementia who improved
clinically over several months when placed on a regimen of increased fish consumption. Symptom improvements
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included regaining the ability to dress himself, decreased restless and destructive behavior, improved fine motor
skills, and enhanced insight into his condition. An imbalance of fatty acids control the amino acid balance.
Clinical expression of fatty-acid deficiency is often seen in patients with candidiasis. Galland (1985) reported nearly
66% of candidiasis patients that he studied had two or more clinical signs of fatty-acid deficiency. Non-specific signs
such as dry, stiff hair; dry, scaly skin; brittle nails, and follicular dermatitis where noted in many of these patients.
So, ensuring the presence of all the essential amino acids is another problem area. In order for the body to
properly synthesize protein, all the essential amino acids must be present simultaneously, and in proper
proportions. If one or more essential amino acids are missing or in poor supply, utilization of all amino acids is
reduced in the same proportion as the one that is lowest or missing! Protein, in proper proportion for one’s
metabolic type, must be eaten with every meal. Amino acid assimilation and utilization are controlled by fatty
acids (GLA/EPA) that must be in balance. High, dietary sugar and high-glycemic food intake causes release of
high levels of insulin that disrupts fatty-acid balance. Additionally, the essential branch-chain-amino acid
(BCAA) levels are significantly decreased by insulin.
Valine, one of the three essential BCAA, competes with tyrosine and tryptophan in crossing the blood-brain
barrier. The higher the Valine level, the lower the brain levels of tyrosine and tryptophan, and there is a
decreased production of serotonin and of the thyroid and catecholamine hormones. An excess of Valine may
cause hallucinations and “crawling skin”. Biotin is essential for metabolism of branched chain amino acids, and
may be involved in copper metabolism. Walsh finds Biotin very useful in the “slender malabsorber group”.
Adults require 14 mg Valine per Kg of body weight per day. First-class protein provides 48 mg per gram. One
of the implications of this competition is that tyrosine and tryptophan nutritional supplements need to be taken
at least an hour before or after meals or supplements that are high in branched chain amino acids. Any acute,
physical stress (including surgery, sepsis, fever, trauma, starvation) requires higher amounts of Valine, Leucine,
and Isoleucine (the 3 essential BCAA) than any of the other amino acids. During periods of Valine deficiency,
all of the other amino acids are less well absorbed by the GI tract. Valine is “useful in muscle, mental, and
emotional upsets, and in insomnia and nervousness”—Borrman.
The well-documented phytates of cereal grains sequester many divalent ions including calcium, zinc, iron,
and magnesium so as to impair bone growth and metabolism. Though magnesium is found in nuts, whole
grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables, these also contain phytates and fibers that bind magnesium and
allow little absorption. When eating legumes and green veggies, you may want to supplement with a
product containing the plant enzyme, Cellulase, that breaks the bonds and releases vitamin B12,
magnesium, and other minerals for your body to use. Cellulase will also pull mercury out of the body
and reduce the burden greatly, but without kidney function, only redistribution takes place. Further,
there are antinutrients in cereal grains that directly impair vitamin D metabolism [Batchelor 1983;
Clement 1987]; and rickets is routinely induced in animal models via consumption of high levels of
cereal grains [Sly 1984].
Less well appreciated is the ability of whole grains to impair biotin metabolism. High doses of Alpha Lipoic Acid
can compete with biotin (a B-vitamin) and interfere with its activity in the body also. A supplement of biotin would
be indicated. Watkins 1990, Blair 1989; Kopinksi 1989 have shown that biotin deficiencies can be induced in
animal models by feeding them high levels of wheat, sorghum, and other cereal grains. Biotin-dependent
carboxylases are important metabolic pathways of fatty-acid synthesis, and deficiencies severely inhibit the chainelongation and desaturation of 18:2 n6 (linoleate) to 20:4 n6 (arachidonic acid). Human dietary supplementation
trials with biotin have shown this vitamin to reduce fingernail brittleness and ridging that are associated with
deficiencies of this vitamin [Hochman 1993].
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Biotin, also known as vitamin H or Coenzyme R, is one of the twelve B vitamins. It is one of the best
supplements to improve the appearance of hair, nails, and skin. It also increases metabolism of
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and it is essential for the creation and utilization of fats and amino acids.
Large quantities of biotin, far above dietary reference amounts, have been shown to be highly valuable for
reducing blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity and general anti-glycation effects.
When yeast levels are high, there are high levels of arabinose. According to Dr. Shaw, this can cause a functional
deficiency of B6, lipoic acid, and biotin. A lack of biotin will cause hypoglycemia and excess ammonia. A biotin
deficit can also lead to depression, muscle pain, fungal infections of the skin, rashes, nausea, sleepiness, acidosis,
fine and brittle hair, dry skin, hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis, and a poor fatty acid profile due to interference with
the Desaturase enzymes. It serves as a carrier of carbon dioxide. A deficit of biotin can be caused by prolonged
antibiotic treatment, the frequent ingestion of raw egg whites sans the yellow, the regular use of more than a
hundred milligrams of Alpha Lipoic Acid, or the use of certain anticonvulsant drugs, primarily Dilantin,
primidone, and Tegretol™. (See this article by Dr. Sloan, http://author.emedicine.com/PED/topic238.htm.)
Those with multiple sclerosis or those who have antibodies to myelin protein (as found in many of the autistic)
might also want to note that biotin is involved in the synthesis of fats in the nervous system, and so should
probably be given special attention in the MS diet.
The amounts people are using to overcome this problem are rather high. A product called Biotin 5000 Yeast Free by
Nutricology/Allergy Research Group has 5 mg of Biotin per capsule. Most Biotin supplements are measured in mcg,
which is a much smaller measurement. Phone (800) 782-4274 or (510) 639-4572 or website www.nutricology.com.
However, some caution must be exercised. Biotin must be balanced with inositol, another B-vitamin, to avoid fattyliver damage.
A British allergist has found that adults taking 500 mg of the amino acid L-histidine, twice daily, improved gastric acid
production in allergic patients. (Children should use one-half that amount.) If the allergies are severe, start with 2 to 3
grams per day and taper down to 1 gram as allergies improve. Improvements are because of increased histamine
production. Actually, this can be a dangerous thing as histidine is a powerful chelator, and it can quickly drain the child
of minerals already in short supply. Worse, histidine is a powerful carrier of copper. It transports copper from the
intestinal milieu into the portal blood and from there to organs and tissues in the body. And don't think you can displace
copper with zinc once the copper is on histidine - you cannot. Only glutathione, cysteine, and thionein can intercept this
copper transport, but that's one of the big problems in autism, isn't it? These sulfur players have gone AWOL, and
copper is excessive at the expense of zinc ; so, use this only under direction of a knowledgeable doctor. Having first
been intrigued, Dr. Woody McGinnis declined to use it!
The amino acid L-glycine also increases gastric acid output. It may be used at 500 to 2000 mg daily in
divided doses. This is often seen in its metabolite form Dimethyl (DMG) or Trimethyl (TMG) glycine.
TMG (betaine) has been used for many years in the treatment of hyperactivity even though the mode of
action has remained unclear. In giving up one methyl molecule, it becomes DMG, long used in autism
(according to Mr. Dave Humphrey of Kirkman Labs, 1-500 mg tablet of Kirkman’s N,N,N,
Trimethylglycine supplies approximately 250 mg DMG). Betaine hydrochloride (600 mg supplying 485 mg
Betaine and 115 mg hydrochloride) is Betaine stabilized with hydrochloride. It has the advantage of
providing hydrochloric acid to aid digestion and activate Secretin, and at that time, it becomes the methyl
donor, trimethylglycine (TMG). Incidentally, Glycine, in any form, aids in production of HCl. The
overmethylated should likely not use TMG/DMG. While I believe the above is accurately presented. Some
affirm that betaine HCl and TMG, though very similar, have very different actions.
SAM (SAMe) is the most important methyl-group donor in cellular metabolism. It is utilized in synthesis of
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carnitine, CoQ10, creatine, methycobalamin (B12), L-methylnicotinamide, N-methyltryptamine,
phosphatidylcholine, and polyamines, and a number of other methyl reactions including Phase II liver
detoxification. SAMe is an active, lipotrope form of Methionine, and it is a cofactor in a number of critical
biochemical reactions, being found in almost every tissue of the body. SAMe has been used in clinical studies to
treat depression, schizophrenia, demyelination diseases, liver disease, dementia, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy,
and other conditions. Several studies have confirmed that SAMe is up to 15% more effective in the treatment of
depression than traditional pharmaceutical antidepressants. SAMe improves and normalizes the liver function.
SAMe is essential for the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from the
damaging effects of free radicals. SAMe reduces the number of trigger points, reduces fatigue, reduces morning
stiffness, and improves mood in fibromyalgia patients. SAMe improves the binding of neurotransmitters to their
receptor sites in the brain. SAMe is essential for the regeneration of neuron axons following injury. SAMe is also
essential for the formation of myelin sheaths that surround axons. In tests, SAMe has shown great promise in the
treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy, and HIV related peripheral neuropathy. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients
have very low levels of SAMe.
The synthesized SAM is expensive, but your body produces SAMe naturally by utilizing six specific nutritional
supplements. The combining of ATP (the energy molecule) and magnesium with methionine produces SAMe. In
this chain reaction, called the SAMe Cycle, the ATP/magnesium/methionine reaction produces SAMe, and when
TMG donates a methyl group to the resulting homocysteine, dimethylglycine (DMG) remains, while the B6, folic
acid, and B12 convert the homocysteine into methionine and SAMe. These nutrients produce SAMe and DMG
naturally at a fraction of the cost of the commercial pharmaceutical substitutes. Assuming normal methylation
(there are over- and under-methylated states totaling about 70% of autistic children), the homocysteine is recycled
to methionine and to SAM in this SAMe Cycle. This resulting SAMe is vital to countless metabolic reactions
throughout the body, including the production of serotonin. A portion of homocysteine is metabolized to cysteine
in what is called the Sulfation Pathway. When the pathways from cysteine to glutathione and taurine are blocked
because of heavy metals toxicity or a lack of vitamins B6 and C, zinc, selenium, and molybdenum, one will lack
the glutathione and sulfates needed to detoxify the body, a condition called PST. It would appear that a supplement
of vitamins B2, B6 (P5P), B12, folic acid, magnesium, and niacin (NADH) would be very desirable to produce
SAMe naturally rather than buying this very expensive supplement. Supplementation of methyl donors TMG or
DMG, as indicated by ones methylation status, would also be valuable in speeding the SAMe Cycle. Ensuring
adequate protein, and even supplementing a small amount of D-L-methionine and serine, would be logical. These
added nutrients would tend to restore normalcy to the production and recycling of homocysteine, and to the
production of SAMe, taurine, glutathione, and sulfates reducing the threat of cysteine toxicity. Those who have
done this report cognitive and behavioral improvements.
Dr. Bill Walsh critiqued the above: “Your dialogue seems to focus on the toxic possibilities of the
cystathionine pathway and cysteine itself. Actually, this is a vitally important pathway and cysteine is
absolutely necessary for proper functioning. Most autism-spectrum patients are very depressed in
cysteine, but may experience dramatic and disturbing symptoms after oral cysteine. Many have
suggested that oral cysteine interacts with yeast overgrowth to provoke the symptoms. A more likely
possibility is that oral cysteine promotes the PREMATURE synthesis of metallothionein that, in cases of
zinc deficiency, can produce extraordinary (albeit temporary) zinc deficiency symptoms. We have
learned that the best way to provide cysteine is using oral GSH that breaks down into cysteine and two
other amino acids.” This is true, but for the few, there is still a threat of excess cysteine that is
exceedingly toxic.
“Using TMG is an attempt to force the methionine resynthesis pathway from homocysteine by an alternative
pathway to the 5-methylfolate-B12-methionine synthase before Cystathionine Beta Synthase (CBS) can
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convert homocysteine to cysteine. The byproduct is DMG. The purpose of this addition is to try to keep
homocysteine in the form of methionine in order to rob CBS of substrate for overproduction of cysteine
(which would be toxic—WSL). This is essentially a backup pathway, and is meant to complement the folate
route for remethylation rather than supplant it. It does not interfere with the folate route”—David H.
Swenson Ph.D. Disruption of the SAM cycle by excess cystathionine beta synthetase and methyl-tetrahydrofolate (a metabolite of folic acid) results in an increased cysteine pool (possibly to toxic levels), and
decreased methyl groups available for DNA methylation and for the normal formation of NADH.
It is of interest to note that Dr. Walsh of The Pfeiffer Treatment Center recently determined that more than 50% of
children with autism were undermethylated with high histamine and need TMG,; whereas 15% were
overmethylated with low histamine, and do not do well on TMG. If TMG/DMG makes the child hyperactive, he
needs folic acid to make up for the folate being excreted, or he needs to reduce or discontinue the TMG/DMG
because it is overmethylating. Supplement glycine, vitamins B6 and B12 instead. Calcium stimulates the mast cells
to release histamine unless it is properly balanced with vitamin D3 and magnesium, a natural, “Calcium Channel
Blocker”. Expressed differently, undermethylated autistics thrive on magnesium, methionine, Vitamins C and D,
DMG or TMG, tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, pantothenic acid, and inositol, but tend to get worse on
calcium (unless adequate magnesium and vitamin D3 is supplied), DMAE, and choline.
When histamine is released from the mast cells excessively, it chelates trace minerals, particularly zinc and copper, and
it will cause one or more of the following symptoms depending upon the degree of excess histamine: Eyes itch, burn,
or become watery; nose itches, sneezes, and produces more mucus; skin itches and develop rashes or hives; sinuses
become congested and cause headaches; lungs wheeze or have spasms; there are stomach cramps; and diarrhea.
The DMG, by a secondary pathway, with the help of vitamin B2, produces serine, and if necessary enzymes and
nutrients are available, cystathionine, cysteine, taurine, and the vital sulfates. The importance of the above process is
seen by the fact that a build up of homocysteine not only tends to heart problems, but it negatively impacts the
formation of vital sulfated sugars (GAGs) interfering, as it does, with the normal pathway to cysteine and the final
sulfates needed for Phase II detoxification and GAG sulfation. Benefits of DMG are improved speech, better eye
contact, reduced frustration, better sleep, better bile flow, increased levels of glutathione, and a significant boost to
immune function. Use vitamins B2 and B6, magnesium, and DMG and its co-nutrient, vitamin B12, before buying
SAMe. To provide the necessary methionine, get some protein into the kid!
Use of betaine hydrochloride, as recommended herein, produces HCl to aid digestion, and the betaine released
is TMG. Additional folic acid supplementation may be necessary because TMG, in reducing to DMG, causes an
excretion of folate, and its deficiency causes hyperactivity. The piddling amounts of folic acid in some TMG
formulations may not be adequate to avoid depletion of folate resulting in hyperactivity in the Subset that needs
folate. Dr. Bernard Rimland’s experience indicates a need of two, 800 mcg folic acid tablets with each 125 mg
tablet of DMG to overcome this hyperactivity. For the overmethylated subset, TMG/DMG is
contraindicated. Use of TMG by the undermethylated subset does significantly reduce homocysteine by
methyl donation in becoming DMG, but additional vitamins B6 (200 to 500 mg) and B12 (500 to 1000 mcg,
preferably as sublingual tablets) are probably needed to metabolize homocysteine.
“Some people take large doses of vitamin B12 in an effort to relieve stress, increase their energy level or cure
pernicious anemia. But this practice may also deplete their melatonin supply. In a 1992 Japanese study, nine healthy
men were given three daily doses of vitamin B12 for a total of 3 milligrams a day. Vitamin B12 caused a significant
decrease in their average twenty-four-hour melatonin levels.”— “Your Body’s Natural Wonder Drug: Melatonin”,
by Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D., and Jo Robinson.
Folic acid deficiency can be caused by use of Depakote™, Tegretol™, aspirin, Pepcid®, methotrexate,
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Dilantin™, Zantac®, oral contraceptives, and 21 other commonly used drugs. Genetically, some simply need
more folate than others. Just as DMG/TMG consumes folic acid, and that causes hyperactivity, these drugs
can do so also. Folic acid deficiency symptoms include: harm to DNA that causes abnormal cellular
development, especially in those with the most rapid rates of turnover (red cells, leukocytes, and epithelial
cells of the stomach and gut, vagina, and uterine cervix). There will be birth defects (Spina bifida, cleft lip
and palate, small head, and possibly Down’s), cervical dysplasia, elevated homocysteine leading to heart
problems (and that affect the fetus and its future development), increased osteoporosis, headache, fatigue,
hair loss, anorexia, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, and increased infections. Studies have shown that taking a
larger dose of folic acid (up to 4,000 micrograms) at least one month before and during the first trimester
may be beneficial. Folic acid is necessary for the production of red blood cells, thus a deficiency can result
in anemia leading to tiredness, weakness, diarrhea, and weight loss. In today’s world, adults should consider
supplementing 800 mcg of folic acid, but “supplementation of 800 mcg of folic acid will harm 15% of the
population, and probably will result in increased incidence of anxiety disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and
suicide”—Dr. Wm.Walsh. These are natural sources of folic acid: green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans
and citrus fruits. It’s also found in many fortified breakfast cereals (watch serving sizes) and some
vitamin supplements. These will not yield their treasures unless cooked with butter or served with
olive oil!
Pfeiffer Treatment Center found that more than 45% of children with autism are undermethylated with high
histamine. An indeterminate percentage, with poor protein intake or malabsorption will have low levels of Lhistidine and low histamine, yet are undermethylated, bringing that to well over 50% that are undermethylated. This
is related to DPP-IV impairment and to disturbed sulfur metabolism. Increases in certain inflammatory markers,
such as IL-6 and TNF(a), lead to decreases in methylation. Low levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine,
high, whole-blood histamine, and elevated, absolute basophils characterize this condition. This population has a
high incidence of seasonal allergies, OCD tendencies, oppositional-defiant disorder, competitiveness, perfectionism,
high libido, sparse body hair, seasonal depression, and several other characteristics. They have a genetic tendency to
be very depressed in calcium, magnesium, methionine, and vitamin B6 with excessive levels of folic acid. “Folate
trapping” occurs when hydroxycobalamin (B12) is deficient in the presence of adequate methyl-tetrahydrofolate.
When this situation occurs, the methyl group on methyl-tetrahydrofolate is trapped because “it wants to leave (to
become tetrahydrofolate) but can’t get away”. From then on, folate no longer is able to participate in its metabolic
pathways, and megaloblastic anemia results. Large doses of supplemental folate can bypass the folate trap, and
megaloblastic anemia will not occur. However, the neurologic/psychiatric abnormalities associated with B12
deficiency ensue progressively. In fact, folic acid administration may cause neuropathy in patients with latent or
overt pernicious anemia if these patients are not receiving vitamin B12. So, it would seem that the undermethylated
would definitely need vitamin B12 to alleviate this condition. Of interest is that only 400 mcg to 800 mcg folic acid
is necessary for adults to reduce homocysteine.
Additionally, a subacute degeneration of the brain and spinal cord can occur by the demyelination of nerve sheaths
caused by a folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. In a study published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic
Diseases (1993;16(4):762-770), it was shown that some people have genetic defects that preclude them from
naturally producing methylcobalamin (B12). The scient